Monolithic Molded Fluid Flow Structure for Printhead Dies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional substrate wide print bar assemblies for inkjet printers face challenges in reducing the size and spacing of printhead dies, which requires complex and costly flow structures and fabrication processes to channel printing fluid to smaller, more tightly spaced dies.
Innovation Solution
A new fluid flow structure where printhead dies are molded into an elongated monolithic body with integrated printing fluid channels, allowing direct fluid flow to the dies and enabling the use of smaller, thinner dies by eliminating the need for fluid channels in a silicon substrate, and allowing external fluid connections and attachment to other structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the size of printhead dies is reduced to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the complexity of fluid flow structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the printhead die mounting structure with the fluid flow distribution system into a single integrated body. The support structure includes both mechanical mounting features and molded fluid flow passages, eliminating the need for separate fluid distribution components and reducing overall system complexity despite using smaller dies
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid flow passages are molded directly into the support structure body, nesting the fluid distribution system within the mechanical support structure. This allows fluid channels to be embedded within the same component that mounts the dies, reducing the number of separate parts
2Ease of manufacture
If the spacing of printhead dies is reduced to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the complexity of fluid flow structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses three-dimensional molded fluid flow passages that can route fluid in multiple directions and planes within the support structure body. This allows efficient fluid distribution to tightly spaced dies by utilizing vertical and lateral flow paths rather than being constrained to a single plane
3Reliability
If conventional multi-part assemblies are used to channel printing fluid, then fluid distribution is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support structure, die mounting features, and fluid flow passages into a single monolithic component. This eliminates the need for separate fluid distribution manifolds or channels that would require additional parts and assembly steps
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a fluid flow structure includes a micro device embedded in a monolithic molding having a channel therein through which fluid may flow directly to the device.