Liquid Ejecting Head Non-Uniform Cover Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing liquid discharge heads face a challenge in improving heat radiating properties without compromising the strength of the head cover, as reducing the thickness of the side plates can lead to a decrease in strength.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharge head design where the thickness of the top plate and side plates are varied, with the side plates being thinner than the top plates, allowing for enhanced heat dissipation while maintaining structural integrity by ensuring the top plate's thickness is sufficient to withstand external forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the thickness of the side plate is reduced to improve heat radiating properties, then heat dissipation is improved, but the strength of the head cover decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat radiating propertiesVSAvoidstrength of head cover
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The head cover is designed with non-uniform thickness distribution: the top plate maintains a first thickness for strength, while the side plate has a second thickness that is smaller than the first thickness. This local differentiation allows the side plate to optimize heat radiation from the drive IC contact area while the top plate preserves structural strength and resistance to external forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If the thickness of the head cover is reduced to improve heat radiating properties, then heat dissipation is improved, but the reliability of the head cover decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat radiating propertiesVSAvoidreliability of head cover
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The head cover implements differentiated thickness design where the top plate's first thickness ensures reliability under external forces and handling, while the side plate's reduced second thickness optimizes thermal conduction from the drive IC. This localized optimization maintains overall reliability while improving heat radiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This design effectively suppresses the decrease in strength of the head cover while improving heat radiating properties, ensuring efficient operation and longevity of the liquid discharge head.

Implementation Method 1

heat generated by the drive IC is released by being brought into contact with an inner surface of the head cover covering the head body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3919274B1Liquid ejecting head and recording device
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP3919274B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3919274B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3919274B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A liquid discharge head (2) according to an embodiment includes a head body (2a) having a first surface (41) configured to discharge a liquid and a second surface (42) facing the first surface (41), a drive IC (55) configured to drive the head body (2a), and a head cover (90) configured to cover at least the second surface (42) of the head body (2a) while housing the drive IC (55). The head cover (90) includes a top plate (91) facing the second surface (42) of the head body (2a) and a first side plate (92) that is connected to the top plate (91) and that is in contact with the drive IC (55), and in the head cover (90), a thickness of the first side plate (92) is thinner than a thickness of the top plate (91).