Inkjet Head Peeling Detection via Resistance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses fail to detect peeling of the flow path forming member from the substrate, leading to inefficient ink discharge and potential defects in recording products, especially in commercial printing where high-speed recording with inks of low surface tension or high volatility is used.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus equipped with a detection unit made of material whose electrical resistance changes upon contact with ink, allowing for the measurement of electrical resistance values to detect peeling between the substrate and the flow path forming member, enabling timely replacement of the liquid discharge head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the recording element substrate is made longer to speed up recording, then productivity is improved, but the flow path forming member may peel away from the substrate due to stress from linear expansion coefficient differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces groove portions that divide the flow path forming member into multiple segments along the longitudinal direction. These grooves allow stress to be distributed and released locally, preventing complete peeling of the flow path forming member from the substrate while maintaining the longer recording element substrate required for high-speed recording.
2Productivity
If ink with low surface tension or high volatility is used to improve recording quality or speed, then productivity or quality is improved, but distortion is generated more easily due to stress
Solution Approach 1:
The groove portions segment the flow path forming member to create stress release zones. When using ink with low surface tension or high volatility that generates more distortion stress, these grooves allow the structure to accommodate the additional stress without complete failure, maintaining stability of the flow path configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local structural variations by introducing grooves at specific positions within the flow path forming member. These localized features provide stress concentration and release points precisely where needed, allowing the rest of the flow path to maintain its integrity while accommodating overall distortion from aggressive ink formulations.
3Productivity
If the flow path forming member is made longer, then productivity is improved, but peeling detection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the long flow path forming member into multiple segments using groove portions, the patent creates discrete sections that can independently peel or deform. This segmentation makes peeling more detectable because it creates distinct structural changes and potential gaps at the groove locations, which are easier to monitor than gradual peeling across a continuous long structure.
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
The solution effectively detects peeling of the flow path forming member, ensuring consistent ink discharge and preventing defects in recorded products by allowing for timely replacement of the liquid discharge head, thereby reducing costs associated with defective printing.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit arranged between the substrate and the flow path forming member and formed of a material of which an electrical resistance value changes by contacting the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a substrate, a discharge port configured to discharge ink, a flow path forming member formed on the substrate and in which a flow path configured to supply liquid to the discharge port is formed, a detection unit arranged between the substrate and the flow path forming member and formed of a material of which an electrical resistance value changes by contacting the liquid, and a measurement unit configured to measure the electrical resistance value of the detection unit.