Print Head Substrate Surface Segmentation for Ink Mist Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid mist in inkjet printers can cause short-circuits and malfunctions by adhering to conductive components within the print head, and existing detection methods lack accuracy in identifying such issues.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a print head, digital signal output circuit, and liquid accommodating container, where the integrated circuit for abnormality detection is positioned on a different surface than the connector, and through holes penetrate both surfaces to capture and guide ink mist to the integrated circuit for accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the integrated circuit is provided on the same surface as the connector, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to liquid mist adhesion causing short-circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into two surfaces: the first surface for the connector and the second surface for the integrated circuit. This segmentation physically separates the electronic components to prevent liquid mist adhesion while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The layout transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement on a single surface to a three-dimensional arrangement utilizing both surfaces of the substrate. The through hole penetrates the substrate thickness to connect corresponding positions on opposite surfaces, enabling spatial separation without increasing planar footprint.
2Reliability
If the integrated circuit is positioned away from the connector, then the reliability improves by preventing liquid mist adhesion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into two surfaces: the first surface for the connector and the second surface for the integrated circuit. This segmentation physically separates the electronic components to prevent liquid mist adhesion while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The through hole structure nests the connector and integrated circuit in a compact arrangement, with the hole penetrating through the substrate thickness to connect corresponding positions on opposite surfaces, minimizing the overall device footprint.
3Measurement precision
If a through hole is provided in the mounting region, then the measurement precision improves for detecting liquid entry, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The through hole acts as an intermediary structure that enables direct optical access to the mounting region. Light can pass through the hole to illuminate liquid mist or droplets, and reflected light carries detection information back to the sensor, simplifying the detection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The through hole enables an optical detection system to replace complex mechanical sampling or contact-based detection methods. By allowing light to pass through the substrate, the system uses optical properties to detect liquid presence without mechanical intervention.
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 reduces the likelihood of ink mist adhering to the integrated circuit, enhancing detection accuracy and preventing malfunctions, while allowing for early intervention in case of abnormalities.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid mist is attracted to the wiring patterns, the terminals, electronic components, or the like, provided inside the print head. When the liquid mist adheres between the wiring patterns and between the terminals, a short-circuit abnormality occurs in the print head
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a print head, a digital signal output circuit, and a liquid accommodating container, and the print head includes a supply port to which the liquid is supplied from the liquid accommodating container, a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles, a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface different from the first 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 indicating presence or absence of an abnormality in the print head, the connector is provided on the first surface, the integrated circuit is provided on the second surface, and a through hole that penetrates the first surface and the second surface is provided in a mounting region on which the integrated circuit is provided in the substrate.