Printhead Mounting Structure with Protective Nubs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printhead modules in fluid ejection systems, such as ink jet printers, are prone to damage during assembly due to their thin silicon construction and exposed edges, which can be vulnerable to stress and contact, leading to potential rendering of the module unusable.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure with features such as nubs and dimples extending beyond the edges of the printhead module to absorb stress and prevent damage, while ensuring correct orientation and alignment of the modules during assembly, and allowing for precise nozzle alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the printhead module uses thin silicon construction, then the device achieves compact size and precision, but the exposed edges become vulnerable to damage during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates protective features (nubs and dimples) that extend beyond the printhead module edges before assembly occurs. These features act as cushioning elements that absorb assembly stresses and prevent direct contact with the vulnerable thin silicon edges, thereby protecting the printhead module during the assembly process while maintaining its compact size
2Reliability
If the mounting structure includes protective features extending beyond printhead edges, then edge protection is improved, but the complexity of the mounting structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective mounting structure is segmented into discrete features (nubs and dimples) rather than requiring a completely redesigned complex structure. Each nub and dimple is a simple, localized feature that provides protection independently, allowing the mounting structure to achieve enhanced reliability through multiple simple elements rather than one complex mechanism
3Manufacturing precision
If the first and second edges extend beyond the receiving surface, then the printhead module can be properly positioned, but the exposed edges are more susceptible to damage during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The protective features (nubs and dimples) of the mounting structure serve as intermediary elements between the external environment and the vulnerable exposed edges of the printhead module. During handling and assembly, these intermediary features absorb stresses and prevent direct contact with the printhead edges, thereby maintaining positioning precision while reducing edge vulnerability
Data Source
AI summary
A printhead assembly including a printhead module and a mounting structure is described. The printhead module is mounted on a receiving surface of the mounting structure and includes a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The first and second edges extend beyond edges of the receiving surface by a first distance in a first direction and are positioned between featured edges of the mounting structure in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Each featured edge includes a first feature protruding from the featured edge by a second distance in the first direction, where the second distance is greater than the first distance. The first features extend beyond the first and second edges of the printhead module. Each featured edge includes a recessed second feature configured to receive a first feature of a neighboring mounting structure.