Print Head Die Single Power Connector Width Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of inkjet print head dies is limited by the area required for electrical signal and power connections, which hinders the reduction of print head size and increases fabrication costs due to constraints on control circuits and fluidic routing.
Innovation Solution
A fluid ejection apparatus with a single power supply connector at one end of the print head die and a ground connector at the other end, eliminating power connectors from the second end to narrow the print head die width, while maintaining power supply fidelity through widened routing, and using high-throughput thermally activated bonding technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power connectors are placed at both ends of the print head die, then power supply reliability is improved, but print head die width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power connector from one end of the print head die, retaining only a single power connector at one end. This eliminates the need for power connectors at both ends, thereby reducing the width requirement while maintaining functional adequacy through alternative power distribution paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional connector arrangement (power connectors at both ends along the width) to a one-dimensional arrangement (single power connector at one end with power distributed along the length). This dimensional change allows power supply without requiring width at both ends.
2Length of stationary object
If print head die width is reduced for miniaturization, then fabrication costs decrease and nozzle density increases, but electrical connection area becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes electrical connections from a width-based two-dimensional arrangement to a length-based one-dimensional arrangement. Power and ground connections extend along the length of the die rather than requiring width at multiple locations, enabling miniaturization while preserving connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges power distribution functions into a single connector location, consolidating what would traditionally require separate connectors at both ends. This merging reduces the total electrical connection area footprint while maintaining adequate power supply capability through extended routing along the die length.
3Power
If multiple power connectors are used, then power distribution capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts one power connector from the system, reducing from two power connectors to one. This simplification maintains adequate power distribution capability by utilizing extended power and ground traces along the die length, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single power connector serves multiple functions by distributing power along the entire length of the die through extended traces. This universal power distribution approach replaces the need for multiple localized connectors, maintaining power capability while reducing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An example provides a fluid ejection apparatus including a fluid feed slot along a length of a print head die of the fluid ejection apparatus to supply a fluid to a plurality of drop ejectors, control circuitry adjacent to at least one side of the fluid feed slot to control ejection of drops of fluid from the plurality of drop ejectors, and a single power supply connector at an end of the print head die to supply power to the control circuitry.