Liquid Ejecting Head Signal Line Folding for Compact Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording heads face increased size issues due to widened or folded signal lines, which occupy more space and hinder the compact design of liquid ejecting heads and apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting head design that incorporates a concave section to accommodate signal lines, allowing them to overlap with the carriage and head in the X direction, reducing the overall size by arranging the connector in the Y direction and using a fixing member to align and secure the head and carriage, while maintaining sufficient space for a rigid substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the signal line width is widened or multiple signal lines are used to handle increased recording data, then the data transmission capability is improved, but the occupied space increases causing the head size to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The signal line arrangement transitions from a conventional planar layout to a three-dimensional folded configuration. The signal line is folded at a predetermined position to create a folded portion that extends in multiple directions, effectively utilizing vertical and lateral space rather than only horizontal plane area. This dimensional transformation allows increased data capacity while maintaining compact head dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded signal line structure nests multiple signal lines within a compact spatial envelope. By folding the signal line back on itself and arranging folded portions in proximity, the design creates a nested configuration where multiple conductors share overlapping projection areas, reducing the overall footprint while accommodating increased data transmission requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If the signal line is folded to accommodate increased data, then the data transmission capability is improved, but the thickness and size of the head increase in the folded region
Solution Approach 1:
The folded portion structure implements local quality differentiation by concentrating the signal line folding in a specific localized region rather than distributing it uniformly. The folded portion is positioned at a predetermined location where it can be accommodated within the head structure, allowing the rest of the head to maintain uniform, reduced thickness. This localized folding approach minimizes overall thickness increase while achieving the required data capacity.
3Device complexity
If the connector terminals are lined up in the X direction to simplify connection, then the connection structure is simplified, but the head size increases in the X direction
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal arrangement transitions from a single-dimensional linear alignment to a two-dimensional grid pattern. Terminals are arranged in both the X and Y directions, creating a matrix configuration that reduces the required length in the X direction. This multi-directional arrangement achieves simplified connection while maintaining compact head dimensions by utilizing vertical space for terminal placement.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head including a head which discharges ink from a nozzle surface on which a nozzle is included based on data, a signal line which sends data to the head via a connector, a carriage on which the head is mounted, and a first concave section and second concave section which accommodate the signal line and are included toward the outside of the carriage, in which the signal line is connected to the connector lined up with a terminal in the Y direction, and a position of a folded portion of the signal line which is accommodated in the first concave section and the second concave section overlaps with a fourth portion to a fifth portion which are a section of the carriage, and overlaps with a first portion to a second portion which are a section of the head in the X direction.