Liquid Ejecting Head Sub-Holder Alignment for Module Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejecting heads require detachment of the fixing plate to replace broken head modules, risking misalignment of the remaining modules and deteriorating print quality.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejecting head design featuring metallic sub-holders with first alignment portions and a holder with second alignment portions that allow for precise, detachable attachment and alignment of head modules, ensuring accurate positioning even during module replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the fixing plate is detached to replace broken head modules, then the broken modules can be replaced with new ones, but the alignment of the remaining head modules with the fixing plate becomes disordered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead module replacementVSAvoidhead module alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into multiple sub-holders, each independently holding one or more head modules. Each sub-holder includes alignment portions that maintain precise positioning relative to the holder, allowing individual sub-holders to be replaced without affecting the alignment of other sub-holders or the fixing plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Sub-holders are introduced as intermediary components between the head modules and the holder. These sub-holders include alignment portions that interface with the holder, providing a stable reference framework that maintains alignment during module replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple head modules are fixed to a fixing plate, then the liquid ejecting head can function, but replacing any module requires detaching the entire fixing plate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid ejecting functionVSAvoidmodule replacement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing plate functionality is segmented across multiple sub-holders, where each sub-holder can be independently attached or detached. This allows replacement of individual head modules by removing only the specific sub-holder containing the broken module, rather than detaching the entire fixing plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sub-holders are designed with detachable attachment to the holder, enabling dynamic reconfiguration. Individual sub-holders can be removed and replaced as needed, providing flexibility for maintenance and repair operations while maintaining the overall structural integrity and functionality of the liquid ejecting head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250262877A1Liquid Ejecting Head And Liquid Ejecting Apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid ejecting head includes multiple head modules to eject a liquid in a first direction, multiple metallic sub-holders each holding at least one of the head modules, and a metallic holder to which the multiple sub-holders are fixed in a detachably-attached manner. Each sub-holder includes a first alignment portion. The holder includes multiple second alignment portions each of which is inserted into or receives one of the first alignment portions, thereby positioning the multiple sub-holders with respect to the holder.