Liquid Discharge Head Rib Sealing Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

In liquid discharge heads, preventing liquid from entering the internal components is challenging, particularly at the bonded areas, which can damage electronic circuits and affect the reliability of the discharge process.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharge head design incorporating a frame, a cover, and a rib with a sealer, where the sealer is used between the cover and the rib's peripheral surfaces to prevent liquid ingress, and the rib is positioned around the flange to cover the opening, enhancing the sealing effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If components are bonded together to form a liquid discharge head, then the liquid discharge function is achieved, but liquid may enter the internal components through bonded areas causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of electronic circuitsVSAvoidliquid ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A rib structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the cover and the bonded area. The rib extends from the bonded area toward the opening, creating a physical barrier that prevents liquid from reaching the bonded area through capillary action or direct flow, thus protecting the electronic circuits without interfering with the bonding function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover structure is segmented by dividing it into a cover body and a separate rib portion. The rib is positioned to extend from the bonded area, creating distinct functional zones: the bonded area for component attachment and the rib structure for liquid prevention, thereby segmenting the protection function from the bonding function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a cover is mounted on the head body to protect internal components, then protection is provided, but liquid may still enter through the bonded area between the cover and head body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of internal componentsVSAvoidliquid entry through bonded area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rib acts as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the bonded area. It extends from the bonded area toward the opening, creating a capillary break and physical obstruction that prevents liquid from penetrating to the bonded area, thus enhancing protection without compromising the cover's mounting function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protection mechanism is extended from a two-dimensional bonded interface to a three-dimensional structure by adding the rib that protrudes into the internal space. This vertical dimension creates an additional barrier that liquid must overcome, preventing entry through the bonded area while maintaining the cover's protective enclosure function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10131148B2Liquid discharge head, liquid discharge device, and liquid discharge apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A liquid discharge head includes a head body, a cover, a rib, and a sealer. The head body discharges liquid. The head body includes a frame. The cover is mounted on the frame of the head body. The rib is disposed at the frame along a peripheral surface of the cover. The sealer is disposed between the peripheral surface of the cover and a peripheral surface of the rib.