Liquid Ejection Head Elastic Sealing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Adhesive agents used in liquid ejection heads to seal the connection between the recording element substrate and the flow passage member lose adhesiveness over time due to exposure to liquids, leading to potential leakage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an elastic member between the recording element substrate and the flow passage member, which is deformed by a fixing member to seal the area through which the liquid flows, preventing leakage by pressing the cover member to secure the components without relying solely on adhesive agents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adhesive agents are used to seal the connection between the flow passage member and the recording element substrate, then the liquid ejection head can be assembled with simple structure, but the adhesive agent loses adhesiveness over time due to exposure to liquid, causing leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive agent) with a mechanical sealing mechanism. An elastic member is compressed by a pressing member to create a seal between the flow passage member and recording element substrate. This mechanical compression-based sealing replaces the time-dependent adhesive bonding, providing reliable sealing that does not degrade over time due to liquid exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an elastic member (flexible element) as the sealing component. This elastic member can be compressed by the pressing member to deform and fill the gap between the flow passage member and recording element substrate, creating an effective seal. The flexibility of this member allows it to maintain sealing pressure and adapt to slight variations in component dimensions, ensuring long-term reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If adhesive agents are used for sealing, then the initial sealing is effective, but the adhesion decreases over time leading to peeling and liquid leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial sealing effectivenessVSAvoidsealing duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical adhesive system with a mechanical compression system. The elastic member, when compressed by the pressing member, provides continuous sealing force that does not degrade over time. This mechanical system eliminates the time-dependent adhesion loss characteristic of adhesive agents, ensuring the sealing maintains its effectiveness throughout the service life of the liquid ejection head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic sealing mechanism where the elastic member can continuously adapt to compression forces. Unlike static adhesive bonding, the elastic member maintains its sealing capability through continuous compression, allowing it to compensate for any slight movements or dimensional changes in the components, thereby extending the effective sealing duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Effectively prevents liquid leakage from the flow passage member to the recording element substrate, maintaining the integrity of the liquid ejection process and improving printing quality by ensuring a secure and reliable seal.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member having elasticity disposed between the recording element substrate and the flow passage member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the fixing member performs pressing on the recording element substrate by pressing the cover member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11179932B2Liquid ejection head

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 CANON KK

AI summary

A liquid ejection head including a recording element substrate that ejects a liquid, a flow passage member provided with a flow passage that supplies the liquid to the recording element substrate, an elastic member having elasticity disposed between the recording element substrate and the flow passage member, and a fixing member that fixes the recording element substrate and the flow passage member. In the liquid ejection head, an area between the recording element substrate and the flow passage member through which the liquid flows is sealed by having the elastic member be deformed with the fixing member.