Liquid Ejecting Head with Detachable Water-Repellent Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid ejecting apparatuses with water-repellent treatments on the ejecting surfaces deteriorate quickly due to repeated wiping operations, leading to a loss of water repellency and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting head design featuring first and second nozzles with water-repellent film members detachably attached to the ejecting surface, positioned to expose the nozzle forming surfaces in the ejecting direction, reducing wear and allowing for selective replacement of deteriorated film members to maintain water repellency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a water-repellent treatment is applied to the ejecting surface to improve wiping performance, then liquid adhering to the ejecting surface can be wiped off more effectively, but the ejecting surface deteriorates due to repeated wiping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The ejecting surface is divided into two functional parts: the nozzle forming surface (fixed) and the film member surface (detachable). The film member can be removed and replaced when deteriorated, while the nozzle forming surface remains intact for continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The film member is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced. When the film member deteriorates from repeated wiping, it can be discarded and a new one attached, eliminating the need to replace the entire ejecting head.
2Reliability
If the water-repellent treatment is applied directly to the nozzle forming surface, then water repellency is achieved, but the surface is prone to deterioration from repeated wiping
Solution Approach 1:
The water-repellent function is separated from the nozzle forming surface by introducing a detachable film member. This allows the water-repellent surface to be replaced independently when worn, while the nozzle forming surface maintains its structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The film member that has lost its water-repellent properties can be discarded and replaced with a fresh one, while the nozzle forming surface is recovered and reused. This extends the overall service life of the ejecting head.
3Reliability
If the film member is detachably provided to protect the nozzle forming surface, then wear is suppressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A thin film member is used instead of a complex protective structure. The film provides the necessary protection and water-repellent properties while maintaining simplicity in design and assembly.
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
The design effectively suppresses wear on the nozzle forming surfaces during wiping and ensures continuous water repellency by allowing for the replacement of deteriorated film members, thereby extending the lifespan of the water-repellent treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a first film member having water repellency on a surface directed to the ejecting direction
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head includes first nozzles configured to eject a liquid in an ejecting direction, a first nozzle forming surface in which openings of the first nozzles are formed, a first surface being adjacent to the first nozzle forming surface when viewed in an opposite direction to the ejecting direction and provided in the ejecting direction relative to the first nozzle forming surface, and a first film member having water repellency on a surface directed to the ejecting direction and being detachably provided to the first surface in such a way as to expose the first nozzle forming surface in the ejecting direction.