Liquid Jet Head Electrode Curvature and Plating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid jet head manufacturing methods face issues with uniform photoresist film thickness, electrode patterning accuracy, burr formation, and decreased manufacturing yield due to water-repellent properties of photoresist films and difficulties in managing palladium chloride solutions, leading to electrode separation and poor pattern transfer.
Innovation Solution
A liquid jet head design featuring a partition with an electrode layer that includes a first convex curved surface extending outward from the upper end surface, and a second convex curved surface connecting the inner and upper end surfaces, along with a method involving surface treatments using colloidal solutions of Sn and Pd, and acid treatment to form the electrode film by electroless plating, preventing electrode separation and burr formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If photoresist film is applied to the upper end surface of the partition to form an electrode pattern, then electrode patterning is achieved, but the photoresist film thickness becomes non-uniform due to the uneven surface, resulting in poor pattern accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing surface treatment (etching or polishing) on the upper end surface of the partition before applying the photoresist film. This pre-treatment creates a flat surface that ensures uniform photoresist film thickness and accurate electrode patterning, resolving the contradiction between pattern accuracy and manufacturing ease.
2Device complexity
If the electrode layer is formed with a sharp corner at the upper end surface of the partition, then the electrode structure is compact, but the electrode easily separates and burrs form during assembly, decreasing manufacturing yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by replacing the sharp corner of the electrode layer with a convex curved surface that connects the outer surface to the upper end surface of the partition. This curvature eliminates stress concentration points, preventing electrode separation and burr formation during assembly, while maintaining a compact electrode structure.
3Device complexity
If the outer surface of the electrode layer is made perpendicular to the upper end surface for compact design, then device complexity is reduced, but the electrode becomes prone to separation and burr formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the perpendicular sharp edge with a convex curved surface that smoothly connects the outer surface to the upper end surface. This curved transition maintains structural simplicity while eliminating the stress concentration that causes electrode edge defects, burr formation, and separation during assembly.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional electroless plating is used to form the electrode layer, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the water-repellent photoresist film prevents uniform catalyst core absorption, leading to poor pattern transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing surface treatment (etching or polishing) on the upper end surface of the partition before applying the photoresist film and forming the electrode pattern. This creates a flat surface that ensures uniform photoresist coating and accurate pattern transfer, resolving the contradiction between process simplicity and pattern precision.
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
The design and manufacturing method enhance the stability of the electrode layer, reducing the likelihood of electrode separation and improving manufacturing yield by ensuring a uniform electrode pattern and preventing burr formation, thus addressing the challenges faced in existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a colloidal solution of Sn and Pd, and acid treatment to form the electrode film by electroless plating
Implementation Method 2
form the electrode film by electroless plating
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid jet head includes a partition separating adjacent grooves, a lower substrate fixing a lower portion of the partition, and an upper substrate installed on an upper end surface of the partition. The partition includes an electrode layer on a surface lower than the upper end surface, the electrode layer including an outer surface approximately perpendicular to the upper end surface, the outer surface continuing to the upper end surface through a first convex curved surface curving outward.