Liquid Ejecting Head Stiffness and Alignment via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid ejecting head units face misalignment issues due to the deformation of resin casings when secured to support members, complicating the attachment and replacement process, especially when the resin has lower stiffness compared to metals.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a head fixing member with higher stiffness than the head casing, which is secured to the liquid ejecting head and attached to a support member with defined relative positioning, preventing deformation and ensuring accurate alignment during mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a resin head casing is used for the liquid ejecting head, then manufacturing cost and ease of molding are improved, but stiffness is reduced causing deformation during attachment to the support member
Solution Approach 1:
The head unit is divided into two distinct parts: the resin head casing (which maintains molding ease) and the separate head fixing member (which provides stiffness). The head fixing member is attached to the head casing, creating a composite structure where each component performs its optimal function - the resin part for manufacturing ease and the metal part for structural rigidity during attachment.
2Ease of operation
If the head casing is pressed onto the support member for attachment, then assembly is simplified, but the head casing deforms causing misalignment of the liquid ejecting head
Solution Approach 1:
The head fixing member acts as an intermediary between the head casing and the support member. Instead of pressing the head casing directly onto the support member (which causes deformation), the head fixing member is pressed onto the support member while the head casing is secured to the head fixing member. This intermediary structure transfers the attachment forces without deforming the resin head casing, maintaining alignment precision.
3Device complexity
If the head casing is secured directly to the support member, then the structure is simplified, but deformation occurs requiring complex alignment checks and adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The head fixing member is pre-attached to the head casing during manufacturing, establishing a rigid connection before the assembly reaches the user. This preliminary action ensures that when the complete head unit is attached to the support member, the head fixing member already provides the necessary structural stability, eliminating the need for complex alignment checks and adjustments during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head unit includes: a liquid ejecting head that has a fixing face to be used for attachment and that ejects a liquid from a nozzle; a head fixing member that has stiffness higher than that of the fixing face and that is secured to the fixing face on the liquid ejecting head; and a support member that has an attachment face to which the liquid ejecting head is attached through the head fixing member.