Laser Welding Inkjet Head Flow Path Using Absorbing and Transparent Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing laser welding methods for ink jet recording heads are inefficient due to the time-consuming scanning method and the risk of damaging the ink flow path during simultaneous irradiation, which can impair the reliability of the recording head.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves using a transparent and absorption member configuration where the second flow path forming member is transparent to the laser beam and the first flow path forming member can absorb it, with a reflecting portion to redirect and attenuate the laser beam, reducing damage to the ink flow path during welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the scanning method is used to irradiate the junction surface with a laser beam, then the welding precision is improved, but the manufacturing time is excessively long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the flow path forming member into multiple segments (first flow path forming member and second flow path forming member) with different optical properties. The first member absorbs laser beams while the second member transmits them, allowing selective irradiation of different regions simultaneously. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple welding zones, dramatically reducing manufacturing time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the flow path forming member are assigned different optical qualities - the first flow path forming member has high laser absorption capability while the second has high transmission capability. This local differentiation allows the laser beam to selectively affect only the absorption member during simultaneous irradiation, achieving precise welding without damaging transmitted regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the simultaneous irradiation method is used to weld the junction surface, then the manufacturing time is reduced, but the ink flow path may be damaged by the laser beam

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing timeVSAvoidink flow path integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by giving different optical properties to different parts of the flow path forming member. The first flow path forming member is designed to absorb laser beams strongly, while the second flow path forming member transmits laser beams. During simultaneous irradiation, only the first member absorbs energy and undergoes welding, while the second member remains unaffected, preventing damage to the ink flow path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The first flow path forming member acts as an intermediary that selectively absorbs the laser beam energy. It serves as a mediator between the laser source and the second flow path forming member, converting laser energy into localized heat for welding while protecting the second member and ink flow path from direct laser exposure through its absorption properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If the laser beam irradiates the entire junction surface simultaneously, then the welding speed is improved, but the precision of protecting the ink flow path is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding speedVSAvoidink flow path protection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by creating distinct optical zones within the flow path forming member. The first flow path forming member zone absorbs laser energy for rapid welding, while the second flow path forming member zone transmits laser energy to protect the ink flow path. This spatial differentiation of optical properties enables simultaneous high-speed welding and precise protection without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The flow path forming member is constructed as a composite structure combining materials with different laser optical properties. The first flow path forming member uses laser-absorbing materials while the second uses laser-transmitting materials. This composite construction enables the component to perform dual functions - rapid welding through absorption and protective transmission - simultaneously during laser irradiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 reduces the time required for welding and minimizes damage to the ink flow path, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the ink jet recording head manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

a first flow path forming member 211 which forms a first flow path portion 229 constituting a portion of a wall of the ink flow path 224 and is capable of absorbing a laser beam 52

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a second flow path forming member 220 which forms a second flow path portion 239 constituting a portion of a wall of the ink flow path 224 and is transparent to the laser beam 52

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical transmission:

Implementation Method 3

a reflecting portion 225 disposed on a first surface 220a of the second flow path forming member 220, the reflecting portion 225 reflecting the laser beam 52

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8770721B2Liquid discharge head and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2014.07.08 CANON KK
  • US8770721B2 patent drawing
  • US8770721B2 patent drawing
  • US8770721B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A liquid discharge head includes a liquid discharge substrate including a discharge port; a flow path for supplying liquid to the liquid discharge substrate; an absorption member capable of absorbing a laser beam, wherein a first flow path portion constituting a portion of a wall of the flow path is formed on a surface thereof; and a transparent member transparent to a laser beam, wherein a second flow path portion constituting another portion of the wall of the flow path is formed on a surface thereof; wherein the flow path is formed by welding the surfaces of the absorption and transparent members with each other at a periphery of the first flow path portion using a laser beam, and wherein the second flow path portion is constituted by a depression including an inclined surface capable of reflecting a laser beam directed toward the first flow path portion.