Liquid Discharge Head Coupling Structure Against Peeling and Leakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face issues with peeling and liquid leakage at the bonding portion of the nozzle plate due to excessive peeling forces when multiple nozzle arrays are used, leading to reduced discharge accuracy and consistency.

Innovation Solution

A coupling portion is introduced between the nozzle plate and the housing, made of the same material as the nozzle plate, to enhance bonding strength and prevent peeling and leakage, with the coupling portion being formed continuously or in multiple configurations along the liquid channel to support the nozzle plate under pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple nozzle arrays are used to increase discharge capacity, then productivity is improved, but peeling forces at the bonding portion increase causing reliability to worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge capacityVSAvoidbonding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding structure is segmented into multiple coupling portions distributed along the liquid channel, rather than relying on a single continuous bonding interface. This segmentation distributes the peeling forces across multiple locations, preventing concentration of stress at any single bonding point while maintaining the structural integrity needed for high-pressure liquid discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling portions extend in the thickness direction of the nozzle plate, creating a three-dimensional bonding structure rather than a two-dimensional surface bond. This dimensional extension increases the bonding area and provides mechanical interlocking between the nozzle plate and housing, significantly improving resistance to peeling forces generated by multiple nozzle arrays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple nozzle arrays are used to increase discharge capacity, then productivity is improved, but liquid leakage at the bonding portion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge capacityVSAvoidliquid leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding interface is divided into multiple discrete coupling portions along the liquid channel, which distributes liquid pressure and prevents concentration of stress at any single bonding location. This segmentation eliminates continuous leakage paths that would occur with a single large bonding interface under high pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By extending coupling portions into the thickness direction, the bonding structure creates a three-dimensional seal that prevents liquid penetration through the bonding interface. The vertical extension of coupling portions provides mechanical interlocking that maintains sealing effectiveness under high-pressure discharge conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the bonding area is increased to improve bonding strength, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding area is segmented into multiple discrete coupling portions rather than forming one large continuous bond. This segmentation achieves adequate total bonding area while simplifying the manufacturing process, as each discrete coupling portion can be formed independently using standard molding techniques without requiring complex multi-step bonding procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling portions are integrated directly into the housing structure as a single molded component, combining the bonding function with the structural housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate bonding operations, adhesives, or additional reinforcement elements, thereby improving reliability through increased bonding area while avoiding the complexity of multi-component assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12350936B2Liquid discharge head and liquid discharge apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.07.08 RICOH CO LTD
  • US12350936B2 patent drawing
  • US12350936B2 patent drawing
  • US12350936B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A liquid discharge head includes: a nozzle plate having multiple nozzles from each of which a liquid is to be discharged; a housing supporting a peripheral edge of the nozzle plate; a liquid channel between the nozzle plate and the housing; and a coupling portion coupling an inner region of the peripheral edge of the nozzle plate and the housing.