Head Unit Fixation Members Prevent Flow Channel Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head units with liquid ejecting heads face issues with insufficient fixation force, leading to deformation of flow channel members and deterioration of sealing performance, resulting in liquid leakage.
Innovation Solution
The head unit incorporates multiple heads with flow channels, a common flow channel member, flexible members, and fixation members. The flexible members are compressed in the stacking direction to establish liquid-tight communication between the flow channels and the common flow channels, while the fixation members ensure secure coupling between the common flow channel member and the heads and flexible members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixation members are located on the outside of the region where flexible members are disposed, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the fixation force becomes insufficient against the reactive force of the flexible members, causing deformation of flow channel members and deterioration of sealing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation members are positioned in a different spatial arrangement - specifically within the region where flexible members are disposed in plan view, rather than on the outside. This dimensional repositioning in the plan view plane allows the fixation members to effectively counteract the reactive force of the flexible members while maintaining structural integrity and sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation members are strategically positioned at specific locations within the flexible member region to provide localized fixation force where it is most needed. This local positioning ensures that the fixation force is applied precisely where the reactive force of the flexible members acts on the flow channel members, preventing deformation at critical sealing points.
2Reliability
If fixation force is increased to prevent deformation of flow channel members, then sealing performance is maintained, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing fixation force through more complex structures, the solution repositions fixation members within the flexible member region in plan view. This spatial rearrangement allows effective fixation with simpler structures, as the fixation members directly counteract reactive forces at their source without requiring additional complexity.
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 the fixation force, reduces the risk of deformation, and maintains effective sealing performance, thereby preventing liquid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible members are compressed in the stacking direction to establish liquid-tight communication between the flow channels and the common flow channels
Data Source
AI summary
A head unit includes: heads including a first-head and a second-head including respective flow channels, and a common flow channel member being stacked on the heads and including common flow channels communicating with the heads in common; flexible members including a first-flexible-member disposed between the first-head and the common flow channel member, and a second-flexible-member disposed between the second-head and the common flow channel member; and fixation members for fixing the common flow channel member, the first and second-heads, and the first and second-flexible-members together. The first-flexible-member establishes liquid-tight communication between a first-flow-channel and a first-common-flow-channel by being compressed in a stacking direction. The second-flexible-member establishes liquid-tight communication between a second-flow-channel and the first-common-flow channel by being compressed in the stacking direction. The fixation members include a first-fixation-member disposed between the first-flexible-member and the second-flexible-member in plan view.