Liquid Discharge Head Rib Layout for Compact Structural Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid discharge heads are hindered by frame members protruding downward, which increase the overall size and impede miniaturization.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharge head design featuring a frame with ribs protruding in a direction approaching the nozzle substrate, positioned outside the nozzle substrate in a longitudinal direction, and a configuration that allows for a narrower width, enhancing stiffness and protecting vulnerable corners while enabling miniaturization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If frame members protrude downward to hold the chamber forming plate, then the structural stability is improved, but the overall size increases and miniaturization is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidoverall size

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rib structure transitions from a downward-protruding three-dimensional form to a planar configuration integrated with the nozzle substrate. By changing the spatial arrangement from vertical protrusion to horizontal integration, the design achieves structural stability without increasing the overall height and volume of the liquid discharge head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The rib structure is merged with the nozzle substrate to form an integrated assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate downward-protruding frame members, as the ribs themselves become part of the substrate structure, thereby reducing overall size while maintaining the holding function for the chamber forming plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If the frame includes ribs protruding toward the nozzle face, then the stiffness is enhanced and corners are protected, but the width increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestiffnessVSAvoidwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rib structure is strategically positioned only at specific locations where strength and protection are most needed, rather than uniformly across the entire frame. This localized approach enhances stiffness and protects vulnerable corners while minimizing the overall width increase of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The rib configuration employs asymmetric positioning and dimensions, with ribs placed specifically at corners and edges where structural reinforcement is most beneficial. This asymmetric design optimizes strength-to-width ratio by concentrating material where it provides maximum structural benefit rather than uniform distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS12491715B2Liquid discharge head, liquid discharge head module, and liquid discharge apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A liquid discharge head includes: a nozzle substrate including a nozzle, from which a liquid is discharged in a discharge direction, on a nozzle face; a chamber forming plate on a first face of the nozzle substrate and including a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, the first face opposite to the nozzle face in the discharge direction; and a frame holding the chamber forming plate on a second face and including a rib on each end of the frame outside the nozzle substrate in a longitudinal direction orthogonal to the discharge direction, and a leading end of the rib protruding from the second face of the frame toward the nozzle face and not protruding from the nozzle face in the discharge direction.