Ink-jet Printer Head Flexible Cable Land Portion Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in ink-jet printers is to miniaturize the head and densify nozzles while maintaining reliable electrical connections without using multiple flexible cables, as the narrow wiring pitch of signal lines hinders further densification and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a flexible cable with land portions shifted in the longitudinal direction of pressure chambers, allowing for wider spacing and easier connection to the actuator unit, eliminating the risk of solder or paste entering deformable areas and enabling non-narrow wiring of signal lines, thus avoiding the need for multiple flexible cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal lines are arranged in rows corresponding to individual surface electrodes, then electrical connection is achieved, but wiring pitch becomes narrow and nozzle densification is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional row arrangement of signal lines to a two-dimensional grid arrangement where signal lines extend in both longitudinal and lateral directions. This dimensional change allows signal lines to reach individual surface electrodes without requiring narrow wiring pitch, as lines can route through multiple dimensions rather than being constrained to a single row.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces land portions as intermediary connection elements between signal lines and individual surface electrodes. These land portions serve as intermediate connection points that facilitate electrical connection without requiring direct narrow-spacing signal lines, thereby acting as a mediator that resolves the contradiction between reliable connection and narrow wiring pitch.
2Length of moving object
If multiple flexible cables are used to connect densely arranged nozzles, then nozzle densification is achieved, but mechanical strength decreases and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate flexible cable connections into a single integrated flexible cable structure. By combining all signal line connections into one cable with a grid arrangement, the mechanical strength is maintained while achieving nozzle densification. This eliminates the need for multiple separate cables that would weaken the overall structure and increase production complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single flexible cable is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connections to all densely arranged nozzles, maintains mechanical strength as a unified structure, and simplifies the connection system. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making one cable serve all connection needs rather than requiring multiple specialized cables.
3Ease of manufacture
If land portions are aligned in rows with signal lines, then electrical connection is simplified, but wiring pitch remains narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges land portions in a two-dimensional grid pattern rather than simple rows, allowing signal lines to connect to land portions from multiple directions. This dimensional arrangement maintains connection simplicity while enabling wider wiring pitch, as signal lines can route through the grid structure without being constrained to narrow row spacing.
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 solution allows for the dense arrangement of nozzles with enhanced reliability and mechanical strength of electrical connections, reducing production costs and ensuring stable ink discharge without the limitations of narrow signal line pitches.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element provided corresponding to the pressure chamber; the piezoelectric element changes volume of the pressure chamber when voltage is applied thereto, so as to discharge the ink from the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A head, for an ink-jet printer, includes a channel unit having a plurality of elongated pressure chambers arranged in a plurality of pressure-chamber rows; an actuator unit having individual surface electrodes corresponding to the pressure chambers respectively, and land portions each of which is conducted to one of the individual surface electrodes; and a flexible cable having connection terminals and signal lines. The land portions are electrically connected to the connection terminals. In each of the pressure-chamber rows, the land portions are arranged such that a certain land portion of the land portions is shifted, in the longitudinal direction of the pressure chamber, from another land portion adjacent to the certain land portion. Accordingly, it is possible to easily connect the flexible cable and the actuator unit easily even when the pressure chambers are arranged highly densely.