Printhead Mounting Interface for One-Step Fluid and Terminal Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operation for mounting a head unit in a conventional printing apparatus is complicated and involves multiple steps.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting device is designed with a head unit and a mounting unit that can switch between states, allowing the first and second communication ports and terminals to be connected in a single step by moving the second channel member and electronic member relative to the head unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the head unit is mounted in the carriage using conventional methods, then the connector and channel connections are established, but the mounting operation becomes complicated and involves multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection (connector) and liquid channel connection into a single integrated component. When the head unit is mounted on the carriage, both the electronic terminals and the liquid communication ports are connected simultaneously through this integrated component, eliminating the need for separate connection steps and simplifying the mounting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated component serves multiple functions: it acts as both an electrical connector for signal transmission and a liquid channel connector for ink supply. This multi-functionality allows a single mounting action to establish both electrical and liquid connections, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable connections.
2Reliability
If separate connectors and channel members are used, then electrical and liquid connections can be established, but the mounting process requires multiple sequential steps
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the electrical connector and liquid channel member into a single integrated component, the patent enables simultaneous connection of both terminals and communication ports during a single mounting action. This eliminates the time required for sequential connection steps while ensuring reliable electrical and liquid connections are both established.
3Reliability
If multiple connection components are used, then electrical and liquid pathways can be connected, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by merging multiple separate connection components (electrical connector and liquid channel member) into a single integrated component. This simplification maintains the reliability of both electrical and liquid connections while reducing the total number of parts and assembly steps required.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting device includes a head unit and a mounting unit. The head unit includes: a first channel member having a first communication port; and a first electronic member including a first terminal. The mounting unit includes: a second channel member having a second communication port; and a second electronic member including a second terminal. The liquid ejecting device is switchable between: a first state in which the first and second communication ports are not in communication with each other and the first and second terminals are separated from each other; and a second state in which the first and second communication ports are in communication with each other and the first and second terminals are in contact with each other. The liquid ejecting device is switched to the second state by both the second channel member and the second electronic member moving relative to the head unit.