Pivoting Firing Board Mount for Low-Wear Fluid Ejection Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid ejection systems for assays are prone to errors and inefficiencies due to manual operation, and the frequent insertion and removal of disposable fluid ejection devices can wear down electrical pins, leading to system failure and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid ejection controller with a floating firing board and biasing springs that pivotally holds the firing board away from the insertion slot, allowing for secure electrical connection only after the device is inserted, reducing wear and enhancing connector reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a non-pivoting firing board is used, then the board structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fluid ejection controllers cannot be properly positioned at an angle relative to the print head
Solution Approach 1:
The firing board is designed to be pivotable about a pivot axis, changing its angular parameter relative to the print head. This allows the board to be positioned at different angles (e.g., 45 degrees) to properly orient the fluid ejection controllers, while maintaining a simple flat board structure when not pivoted.
2Ease of operation
If the firing board is pivotable, then the fluid ejection controllers can be properly positioned, but the board requires additional pivot mechanisms increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The firing board assembly is segmented into the pivotable board portion and the fixed support structure. This segmentation allows the board to be independently pivoted to position the controllers correctly, while the support structure remains simple and stationary.
3Reliability
If fluid ejection controllers are positioned at an angle, then droplet ejection performance is improved, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The firing board is made dynamically pivotable rather than fixed, allowing the fluid ejection controllers to be positioned at the optimal angle for droplet ejection. The pivot mechanism enables adjustment to achieve proper orientation, improving ejection reliability without requiring a permanently complex mounted structure.
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 solution increases the lifespan of the fluid ejection system, reduces the likelihood of accidental device removal, enhances connector reliability, and provides visual confirmation of proper insertion, thereby improving the efficiency and robustness of the fluid ejection process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one biasing spring to bias the firing board away from the fluid ejection device during insertion of the fluid ejection device
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a fluid ejection controller is described. The fluid ejection controller includes a firing board to pass control signals to a fluid ejection device to eject fluid from the fluid ejection device. A mount pivotally holds the firing board between a disengaged position where electrical pins of the firing board are not in contact with electrical pads of the fluid ejection device and an engaged position where the electrical pins are in contact with the electrical pads. The mount includes a slot to receive the fluid ejection device and at least one biasing spring to bias the firing board away from the fluid ejection device during insertion of the fluid ejection device. The fluid ejection controller also includes a handle coupled to a cam shaft to move the firing board between the disengaged position and the engaged position.