Print Head Substrate Surface Segmentation for Ink Mist Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid mist entering the print head in liquid ejecting apparatuses can cause short-circuit abnormalities and malfunctions due to adherence to conductive components, and existing detection methods lack accuracy in identifying such issues.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus design featuring a print head with an integrated circuit and annular wiring on separate surfaces, where the integrated circuit outputs abnormality detection signals, and an annular wiring arrangement along the substrate's periphery to detect ink mist based on impedance changes, reducing the risk of ink mist adherence and improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the integrated circuit and connector are provided on the same surface of the substrate, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of liquid mist adherence to conductive components
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into two surfaces with functional segmentation: the first surface accommodates the connector for digital signal input, while the second surface houses the integrated circuit for abnormality detection. This spatial segmentation prevents liquid mist from simultaneously contacting both conductive components, reducing short-circuit risk while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit arrangement transitions from a two-dimensional layout on a single surface to a three-dimensional configuration utilizing both surfaces of the substrate. The connector is positioned on the first surface while the integrated circuit is positioned on the second surface, creating vertical separation that protects against liquid mist adherence without increasing overall device complexity.
2Device complexity
If conventional detection methods are used for liquid entering the print head, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates in detecting liquid mist adherence
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system replaces mechanical or visual inspection methods with electrical impedance measurement. The integrated circuit monitors impedance changes in the annular wiring, enabling precise detection of liquid mist adherence through electrical property changes rather than mechanical intervention, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular wiring serves as an intermediary sensing element between the liquid mist and the integrated circuit. The wiring's impedance changes in response to liquid mist adherence, providing an indirect but precise measurement mechanism that enhances detection accuracy while maintaining a simple overall device 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
This configuration effectively reduces the likelihood of ink mist adhering to the integrated circuit and enhances the accuracy of abnormality detection, thereby minimizing print head malfunctions and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
ejects a liquid such as ink filled in a cavity from a nozzle by driving a piezoelectric element provided in a print head with a drive signal
Implementation Method 2
Since the liquid mist floating inside such a liquid ejecting apparatus is very minute, it is charged by the Lenard effect. Therefore, there are some cases in which the liquid mist is attracted to a conductive portion such as wiring patterns that propagate various signals to a print head and terminals that electrically couple cables to the print head
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a digital signal output circuit and a liquid accommodating container, in which the print head includes a supply port, a nozzle plate, a substrate having first and second sides positioned opposite to each other, third and fourth sides positioned opposite to each other, a first surface, and a second surface, a connector to which the digital signal is input, and an integrated circuit to which the digital signal is input via the connector and that outputs an abnormality detection signal, the connector is provided on the first surface, the integrated circuit is provided on the second surface, the substrate includes an annular wiring electrically coupled to the integrated circuit, and the annular wiring is disposed in an annular shape along an outer periphery of the substrate including the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side.