Inkjet Head Adhesive Joint Design for Rigidity and Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing inkjet-heads face challenges in miniaturization due to deformation caused by the restoring force of sealing members and the thickness of atmosphere opening paths, which limits the rigidity and size reduction of flow path members.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet-head design incorporates a first flow path member bonded to a second flow path member using adhesives, forming intra-joint-surface flow paths and a joint space with a second adhesive that has lower gas permeability than the first adhesive, maintaining humidity and reducing the joint space volume, thereby minimizing size and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a sealing member is interposed between flow path members to prevent deformation, then the flow path members can maintain rigidity, but the inkjet-head becomes thicker and larger in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sealing member from the structure and integrates the atmosphere opening path directly into the flow path members. This extraction of the sealing member eliminates the thickness it adds to the inkjet-head while maintaining the necessary rigidity through alternative design approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The atmosphere opening path is merged directly into the flow path members, eliminating the need for a separate sealing member. This integration reduces the overall thickness of the inkjet-head by combining multiple functions into the existing structural components.
2Length of stationary object
If flow path members are made thinner to reduce size, then the inkjet-head can be miniaturized, but the flow path members lose rigidity and deform under restoring force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adhesive materials to bond flow path members together, creating a composite structure that provides the necessary rigidity to thin flow path members. The adhesive joints create a stronger combined structure that prevents deformation while allowing individual members to remain thin.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path members are segmented into multiple thin components that are bonded together using adhesives. This segmentation allows each member to remain thin for miniaturization while the combined structure maintains rigidity through the adhesive bonds.
3Reliability
If a sealing member with atmosphere opening path is used, then air can escape to prevent pressure buildup, but the sealing member itself becomes thicker
Solution Approach 1:
The atmosphere opening path is extracted from the sealing member and integrated directly into the flow path members. This eliminates the need for a thick sealing member with embedded pathways, as the flow path members themselves provide the atmospheric connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path members are given multiple functions: they serve as both the liquid transport pathways and the atmospheric connection channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate sealing member with atmosphere opening paths, reducing overall thickness.
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 allows for a thinner inkjet-head with improved humidity retention and reduced size, enhancing the miniaturization of inkjet-heads and ink jet printers while maintaining effective ink ejection functionality.
Implementation Method 1
driving of a piezoelectric element (a type of actuator) brings about pressure fluctuation in the liquid in the pressure chamber such that a liquid droplet is caused to be ejected from a nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a first adhesive, a peripheral edge of a groove formed in the second flow path member and bonding the first flow path member thereto
Implementation Method 3
At least a part of the second adhesive is formed further inside a straight line connecting an end of one intra-joint-surface flow path on the outer periphery and an end of another intra-joint-surface flow path on the outer periphery in joined surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet-head includes a first flow path member in which a plurality of first flow paths are formed; and a second flow path member in which a plurality of second flow paths are formed and to which the first flow path member is bonded. The second flow paths have intra-joint-surface flow paths, respectively, which are formed by surrounding, with a first adhesive, a peripheral edge of a groove formed in the second flow path member and bonding the first flow path member thereto. A joint space is formed and includes a plurality of the intra-joint-surface flow paths due to surrounding, with a second adhesive, an outer periphery of the intra-joint-surface flow path and bonding the second flow path member and the first flow path member. At least a part of the second adhesive is formed further inside of a straight line connecting an end of one intra-joint-surface flow path on the outer side and an end of another intra-joint-surface flow path on the outer side in joined surfaces.