Ink-jet Head Protective Agent Seals Exposed Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink-jet heads face issues with corrosion and short circuits due to ink exposure on exposed wiring patterns, which are not adequately protected by the insulating film, leading to potential degradation and malfunction.
Innovation Solution
An ink-jet head design that includes a protective agent covering the end portion of the insulating film and exposed wiring patterns between the driver ICs and the insulating film, along with an adhesive that is resistant to ink, to prevent corrosion and ensure reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the insulating film is formed on the electrodes and wiring patterns with grease masking, then the electrically conductive portions are protected from corrosion and short circuits, but the exposed wiring patterns between the driver IC and insulating film remain vulnerable to ink degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective function from the insulating film alone and separates it into two distinct protective layers: the insulating film for electrical isolation and a protective agent for physical/chemical protection against ink. This extraction allows each layer to specialize in its respective protective function, solving the vulnerability of exposed wiring patterns while maintaining the insulating film's electrical protection role.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective agent acts as an intermediary substance between the exposed wiring patterns and the ink. It provides a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the ink and the wiring patterns, thereby mediating the harmful interaction and preventing ink-induced degradation while allowing the electrical connection to remain functional.
2Ease of operation
If the wiring patterns are left exposed for driver IC connection, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the exposed portions are susceptible to ink corrosion and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The protective agent is applied in advance to the exposed wiring patterns before the ink can cause any degradation. This preliminary protective action ensures that when the driver IC is connected and ink is present, the wiring patterns are already protected, preventing corrosion while maintaining the exposed areas necessary for electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different protective qualities to different areas: the insulating film provides electrical isolation where needed, while the protective agent provides localized protection specifically to the exposed wiring patterns. This local differentiation allows the wiring patterns to remain exposed for connectivity while being protected from ink damage in the same areas.
3Reliability
If an insulating film is applied to cover all conductive portions, then corrosion and short circuits are prevented, but the exposed wiring patterns cannot be accessed for driver IC connection
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is segmented into two functional parts: the insulating film that covers and protects the electrodes and most wiring patterns from electrical short circuits, and the protective agent that specifically covers the exposed wiring patterns needed for driver IC connection. This segmentation allows both electrical isolation and physical access to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective agent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the exposed wiring patterns from ink corrosion, provides a physical barrier against environmental factors, and allows the wiring patterns to remain accessible for driver IC connection. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
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 protective agent effectively seals the exposed wiring patterns, preventing ink exposure and ensuring the integrity of the insulating film, thereby preventing corrosion and short circuits, and maintaining the reliability of the ink-jet head.
Implementation Method 1
If the driver IC applies a voltage to the electrodes in the pressure chambers through the wiring patterns, the piezoelectric member undergoes a shear-mode deformation such that the ink in the pressure chambers can be discharged.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an ink-jet head includes a substrate, a piezoelectric member, electrically conductive portions, a frame member, an insulating film, an electronic component and a protective agent. The piezoelectric member is mounted on the substrate and includes pressure chambers. The electrically conductive portions extend from the pressure chambers and are disposed on the substrate. The frame member inside which the piezoelectric member is disposed is attached to the substrate from above the electrically conductive portions. The insulating film covers the piezoelectric member, the frame member, and a part of the electrically conductive portions. The electronic component is connected to the electrically conductive portions. The protective agent covers an end portion of the insulating film located between the frame member and the electronic component and the electrically conductive portions between the electronic component and the end portion of the insulating film.