Head Unit Segmented Wiring for High-Density Inkjet Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density nozzle configurations in inkjet printers face challenges in maintaining consistent ink pressure and supplying sufficient electric power to piezoelectric elements, leading to variations in discharge characteristics and difficulties in driving all elements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A head unit design featuring multiple substrates and flexible wiring substrates that branch and distribute signals and power efficiently, with a liquid flow passage positioned between substrates to ensure smooth ink supply and reduce interference, allowing for a high-density array of nozzles with improved power distribution and reduced impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of nozzles and nozzle density are increased to achieve high-speed printing, then productivity is improved, but discharge characteristics vary due to ink pressure deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply system is segmented into multiple independent flow passages, with each passage serving a specific nozzle group. This segmentation isolates pressure variations to local regions, preventing deviation from propagating across all nozzles, thereby maintaining discharge accuracy while supporting high nozzle density for productivity improvement
2Productivity
If the number of nozzles is increased to achieve high-speed printing, then productivity is improved, but it becomes difficult to supply sufficient electric power to all piezoelectric elements
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into multiple independent flexible wiring substrates, with each substrate connecting to a specific nozzle group and its associated piezoelectric elements. This segmentation divides the total current load across multiple parallel pathways, reducing impedance and enabling sufficient power delivery to all elements even as the total number of nozzles increases for high-speed printing
3Manufacturing precision
If nozzle density is increased to achieve high-accuracy printing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but discharge characteristics vary due to ink pressure deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid flow passage is divided into multiple separate channels, each dedicated to supplying ink to a specific group of high-density nozzles. This segmentation ensures that pressure variations in one channel do not affect other channels, maintaining consistent discharge characteristics across all nozzles even at high density required for improved printing accuracy
4Device complexity
If multiple nozzles are connected through a common liquid supply, then device complexity is reduced, but ink pressure deviation occurs leading to discharge characteristic variation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single common liquid supply for all nozzles, the system employs multiple segmented flow passages that are distributed across different substrate regions. This segmentation maintains discharge consistency by isolating pressure variations to local segments, while the overall device complexity is managed through systematic arrangement and modular connection of these segments
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 design enhances discharge accuracy and reduces variations in ink pressure, enabling high-speed and high-precision printing by ensuring sufficient power supply to all piezoelectric elements while minimizing interference and heat generation in the wiring.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element is provided in a head main body (head unit), generates a pressure change in a pressure generating chamber by driving the piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a head unit including: a first substrate provided with a first terminal and a second terminal; a second substrate provided with a third terminal; a first flexible wiring substrate that connects the first terminal and the third terminal to each other; a first driving module that is electrically connected to the second substrate; a third substrate provided with a fourth terminal; a second flexible wiring substrate that connects the second terminal and the fourth terminal to each other; a second driving module that is electrically connected to the third substrate; and a liquid flow passage which is positioned between the second substrate and the third substrate, and supplies the liquid to the first driving module and the second driving module, in which the first substrate is positioned on the second substrate side in a direction intersecting with a direction in which a liquid is discharged.