Liquid Ejection Head Connector with Counteracting Contact Springs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection heads face challenges in maintaining reliable electric connections between the liquid cartridge and the connector unit, particularly when the liquid cartridge's fixed position varies, leading to a higher risk of plastic deformation and breakage due to increased elastic displacement of the electric contact portions.
Innovation Solution
A connector unit with elastically deformable first and second electric contact portions, where the spring forces of these portions are in opposite directions, is used to ensure stable electric connection by press-fitting a plate-like portion between them and utilizing a snap-fit structure with guide ribs to maintain alignment and prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the stroke of elastic displacement of the electric contact portion is increased to widen the range of electric connection, then the adaptability to varying cartridge positions is improved, but the risk of plastic deformation and breakage of the electric contact portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric contact portion is divided into multiple segments (first electric contact portion and second electric contact portion) with opposite spring forces. This segmentation allows each segment to independently absorb displacement in opposite directions, effectively widening the connection range while distributing stress to prevent any single segment from deforming or breaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second electric contact portions are designed with opposite spring forces that act as counterbalancing forces. When one contact portion experiences excessive displacement in one direction, the opposite spring force of the other contact portion counteracts the stress, preventing plastic deformation and breakage while maintaining connection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the elastic displacement capability is increased to accommodate position variations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural stability of the electric contact portion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the electric contact structure into multiple segments with opposite spring forces allows the system to accommodate position variations through coordinated movement of segments while each segment remains within its elastic deformation range, maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constants and initial forces of the first and second electric contact portions are carefully designed to change parameters such that the combined system can absorb position variations while individual segments operate within safe stress limits, preserving structural stability.
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 enhances the reliability and range of electric connection while reducing the risk of plastic deformation and breakage, allowing for secure contact even with varying cartridge positions and maintaining stability under different loads, thus ensuring consistent ink supply and data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first electric contact portion and the second electric contact portion has spring force
Implementation Method 2
an elastically deformable first electric contact portion formed on one end side thereof, and an elastically deformable second electric contact portion formed on another end side
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a liquid ejection head, including: a connector unit; and a case in which the connector unit is movably placed. The connector unit includes: an electric contact member; and a housing configured to fix a portion between one end and another end of the electric contact member. The electric contact member includes a conductive member, the conductive member including an elastically deformable first electric contact portion formed on the one end side thereof, and an elastically deformable second electric contact portion formed on the another end side thereof.