Offset Cartridge Substrate for High-Speed Liquid Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to improve the printing speed of a serial type liquid ejection apparatus while maintaining sufficient space for electric wiring members in a thinned cartridge configuration.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design where the center of the element substrate in the scanning direction is offset from the center of the electric wiring member, allowing for a slimmer cartridge profile without compromising the arrangement of electric wiring members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the cartridge is thinned to improve printing speed, then the printing speed is improved, but the space for arranging electric wiring members is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally offsetting the center of the element substrate from the center of the electric wiring member in the scanning direction. This asymmetric arrangement allows the cartridge to be thinned while maintaining sufficient space for the electric wiring member, as the wiring member is positioned in a region where it does not interfere with the thinned profile. The offset configuration enables the cartridge body to be reduced in thickness without compromising the arrangement space for electrical connections.
2Productivity
If the center of the element substrate coincides with the center of the electric wiring member, then the arrangement is simplified, but the printing speed cannot be further improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry by offsetting the element substrate center from the electric wiring member center. This asymmetric configuration enables further printing speed improvement by allowing the cartridge to be thinned and the carriage movement distance to be reduced. While this increases arrangement complexity compared to a centered configuration, the performance benefit in printing speed justifies the additional design complexity.
3Length of moving object
If the cartridge thickness is reduced to shorten movement distance, then the printing speed is improved, but the electric wiring member arrangement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the manufacturing difficulty by adopting an asymmetric layout where the electric wiring member is positioned offset from the element substrate center. This asymmetric arrangement allows the cartridge thickness to be reduced while maintaining adequate space for wiring integration. The offset positioning enables the wiring member to be arranged in a region that is not compromised by the thinned profile, thus facilitating manufacturing despite the reduced thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the wiring arrangement challenge by utilizing the offset positioning in the scanning direction as an additional spatial dimension. Instead of relying solely on thickness for wiring space, the asymmetric offset in the scanning direction provides an alternative spatial resource. This dimensional approach allows the wiring member to be accommodated without increasing cartridge thickness, thereby maintaining the thinned profile while enabling wiring integration.
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
This configuration enables further improvements in printing speed by allowing for a shorter movement distance of the carriage during printing, while maintaining the efficiency of the electric wiring arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
an element substrate including an ejection port configured to eject the liquid stored in the storage unit and an element configured to generate energy used to eject the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide a cartridge that can further improve the printing speed. A cartridge that ejects a liquid while moving in a scanning direction includes: a storage unit that can store the liquid; an element substrate including an ejection port to eject the liquid stored in the storage unit and an element that generates energy used to eject the liquid; and an electric wiring member electrically connected with the element substrate. The center of the element substrate in the scanning direction is offset from the center of the electric wiring member in the scanning direction.