Ink-jet Head Recess for Capacitor Protection and Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink-jet head designs face issues with the damage and detachment of electronic components like capacitors due to external forces, as they are not adequately protected and can be exposed when the cover is removed for connector and cable connections, leading to increased width and height of the head holder.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a recess on the first passage forming member to house the electronic elements, such as capacitors, which are mounted on the circuit board and sandwiched between the first and second passage forming members, providing protection from external impacts and allowing for a more compact width and height by positioning them away from the main ink passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the capacitor is disposed on the upper face of the circuit board overlapped with the buffer tank to reduce width, then the width of the head holder is reduced, but the height of the head holder becomes much higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the capacitor placement from a vertical stacking arrangement (increasing height) to a horizontal integration within the ink passage structure (utilizing width and depth). The projection of the first passage forming member creates a recess that houses the capacitor laterally, converting the problem from a height-dimension constraint to a width-depth dimension solution.
2Device complexity
If the capacitor is covered only by a cover to simplify structure, then the structure is simpler, but the capacitor is exposed to external force and prone to detachment or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function with the structural function by integrating the capacitor housing into the first passage forming member itself. The projection of this member forms a recess that both contains and protects the capacitor, eliminating the need for separate protective structures while utilizing the existing ink passage component for dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess formed by the projection of the first passage forming member acts as a pre-designed protective cavity that cushions the capacitor against external forces. This structural feature is built-in beforehand, providing mechanical protection before any damage can occur, rather than relying on external covers that may be removed or fail.
3Ease of manufacture
If the electronic element is disposed at the side of the first passage forming member to simplify mounting, then the mounting is simpler, but the ink-jet head becomes larger in width and height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the capacitor within the recess formed by the projection of the first passage forming member. This nested arrangement allows the electronic element to be housed within the existing structural envelope of the ink passage component, eliminating the need for additional external space and maintaining a compact overall dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink-jet head includes a first passage forming member, a second passage forming member, and a circuit board. The first passage forming member has an ink inlet port, an ink outlet port, and a first ink passage extending from the ink inlet port to the ink outlet port. The first passage forming member is sandwiched between the circuit board and the second passage forming member. An electronic element is mounted on the circuit board. A projection defining a recess is formed on a surface of the first passage forming member. The electronic element is mounted on position facing the recess of the circuit board, and is received therein.