Layered Flow Channel Member for UV-Curable Ink in Liquid Ejecting Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow channel members in liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink jet recording heads, are transmissive to light, causing ultraviolet light curable inks to cure prematurely, limiting their use to non-ultraviolet light curable inks.
Innovation Solution
A flow channel member configuration comprising a first non-transmissive and absorbent layer, a second non-transmissive and absorbent layer stacked to define a flow channel, and a third transmissive layer for laser bonding, which closes the gap between the first and second layers, preventing light from reaching the ink and allowing laser bonding without adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flow channel member is made transmissive of light to enable laser bonding, then bonding efficiency is improved, but ultraviolet light curable ink cures prematurely due to light transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel member is divided into multiple layers: a first layer made of ultraviolet light-blocking material to prevent ink curing, and a second layer made of laser-transmissive material to enable bonding. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the flow channel member have different optical properties. The first layer has ultraviolet light-blocking properties to protect the ink, while the second layer has laser-transmissive properties to enable bonding. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between preventing ink curing and enabling laser bonding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flow channel member is made non-transmissive of ultraviolet light to prevent ink curing, then ink compatibility is improved, but laser bonding becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel member is segmented into functional layers: the first layer blocks ultraviolet light to ensure ink compatibility, while the second layer transmits laser light to enable bonding. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously in different parts of the same component.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel member uses a composite structure combining materials with different optical properties. The first layer uses ultraviolet light-blocking material for ink compatibility, while the second layer uses laser-transmissive material for bonding capability, creating a composite component that satisfies both requirements.
3Strength
If adhesive is used to bond flow channel members, then bonding strength is improved, but ink leakage and warpage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding method (adhesive) with a physical bonding method (laser bonding). This substitution eliminates the need for adhesives that can degrade and cause ink leakage, while maintaining strong bonding through direct laser-induced fusion of the thermoplastic 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
Enables the use of ultraviolet light curable inks by preventing premature curing and allowing for adhesive-free, cost-effective manufacturing with reduced risk of ink leakage and warpage, while maintaining high bonding accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow channel member non-transmissive of ultraviolet light and absorbent of laser light, a second flow channel member non-transmissive of ultraviolet light and absorbent of laser light
Implementation Method 2
a first flow channel member non-transmissive of ultraviolet light and absorbent of laser light, a second flow channel member non-transmissive of ultraviolet light and absorbent of laser light
Implementation Method 3
a third flow channel member transmissive of laser light, the third flow channel member being fixed to the first flow channel member and the second flow channel member
Data Source
AI summary
A flow channel member includes a first flow channel member non-transmissive of ultraviolet light and absorbent of laser light, a second flow channel member non-transmissive of ultraviolet light and absorbent of laser light, the second flow channel member being stacked on the first flow channel member to define a flow channel for liquid to flow between the second flow channel member and the first flow channel member, and a third flow channel member transmissive of laser light, the third flow channel member being fixed to the first flow channel member and the second flow channel member in such a manner as to close a gap between the first flow channel member and the second flow channel member.