Inkjet Head Terminal Layout to Prevent Leakage-Induced Defects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inkjet apparatuses face issues with electronic member defects due to liquid leakage onto terminals when channels are positioned above contact points, hindering downsizing in the orthogonal direction.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejecting device with a head unit and mounting unit that allows terminals to be switched between separated and contacted states, positioning the electronic member parallel to the ejection surface to prevent liquid deposition on terminals, enabling downsizing while maintaining functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the second electronic member is configured with a plate shape extending parallel to the ejection surface, then downsizing in the orthogonal direction is achieved, but liquid leakage onto terminals causes electronic member defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice size in orthogonal directionVSAvoidelectronic member reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the terminals from a horizontal arrangement (above the channels) to a vertical arrangement (below the channels, closer to the ejection surface). This spatial reconfiguration in the vertical dimension allows the electronic member to extend parallel to the ejection surface for downsizing while preventing liquid from reaching the terminals, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If channels are positioned above contact points between terminals, then liquid leakage deposits on terminals causing defects, but repositioning terminals affects device compactness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic member reliabilityVSAvoiddevice size in orthogonal direction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning terminals above the channels (conventional arrangement), the patent inverts the arrangement by placing terminals below the channels, closer to the ejection surface. This inversion prevents liquid leakage from reaching terminals while maintaining device compactness through the plate-shaped electronic member configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12552187B2Liquid ejecting device switchable between first state in which two terminals are separated from each other and second state in which two terminals are in contact with each other

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A liquid ejecting device includes a head unit and a mounting unit. The head unit includes: a first channel member formed with a first channel having an ejection hole; and a first electronic member including a first terminal. The first channel member has an ejection surface in which the ejection hole is open. The mounting unit includes a second electronic member having a plate shape. The second electronic member includes a second terminal. The liquid ejecting device is switchable between: a first state in which the first and second terminals are separated from each other; and a second state in which the first and second terminals are in contact with each other. When the liquid ejecting device is in the second state, the second electronic member extends parallel to the ejection surface and a contact point between the first and second terminals is positioned upward relative to the first channel.