Liquid Jet Head Chip Electrode Layout to Prevent Short Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The possibility of short circuits occurring between common and individual electrodes in a head chip due to noncontiguous portions in the protective film, such as cracks or deposition failures, which can lead to reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
The actuator plate is designed with recessed portions on its surfaces, with the common electrode on one surface and the individual electrode on the other, ensuring increased rigidity and surface area, and the electrodes are positioned to generate an electric field in the thickness direction, reducing the likelihood of short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If both common electrode and individual electrode are provided on the first surface (surface facing pressure chambers), then the electrode surface area is increased, but the risk of short circuit between electrodes via liquid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional electrode arrangement (both electrodes on the same surface) to a three-dimensional arrangement (electrodes on opposite surfaces of the actuator plate). The common electrode is provided on the first surface while the individual electrode is provided on the second surface, utilizing the thickness dimension to separate electrodes and eliminate liquid-mediated short circuits while maintaining adequate electrode surface area for effective operation.
2Strength
If recessed portions are provided on the actuator plate, then the rigidity of the actuator plate is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator plate is segmented by providing recessed portions that divide the plate into functional regions. These recesses create distinct areas for electrode placement and pressure chamber formation, enhancing rigidity through structural segmentation while organizing the device into manageable functional zones that simplify manufacturing and assembly processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances manufacturing efficiency, yield, and durability by minimizing short circuits and improving pressure generation in the pressure chamber, resulting in a more reliable head chip.
Implementation Method 1
an electric field is generated in an actuator plate formed of a piezoelectric material to deform the actuator plate to thereby generate a pressure variation in a pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A head chip, a liquid jet head, and a liquid jet recording apparatus each capable of suppressing short circuit between a common electrode and an individual electrode are provided. The head chip according to the present disclosure includes an actuator plate which has a first surface facing a plurality of pressure chambers containing a liquid, and a second surface facing an opposite side to the pressure chambers with respect to the first surface in a thickness direction, and in which a recessed portion is provided on at least one surface out of the first surface and the second surface, a common electrode provided to the first surface, and configured to function as a reference potential, and an individual electrode provided to the second surface which is a surface other than the first surface, and configured to generate a potential difference relative to the common electrode to generate an electric field in the actuator plate. An electrode which is one of the common electrode and the individual electrode and is provided to the one surface is provided on at least an inner surface of the recessed portion.