Print Head Relay Substrate Layout for High-Nozzle Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, face challenges in improving productivity by increasing the number of nozzles and discharge amount per unit time, while also ensuring replaceability and efficiency of components.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a print head, substrate unit, and relay substrate configuration that includes specific connectors and cables for voltage signal propagation, enhancing electrical coupling and signal transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of nozzles and discharge amount per unit time are increased to improve productivity, then the complexity of electrical coupling and signal transmission increases, but replaceability and maintenance efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drive circuit is divided into a substrate unit and a relay substrate, with the relay substrate acting as an intermediate component. The substrate unit connects to the print head via a first connector, while the relay substrate connects via a second connector and a cable. This segmentation allows the electrical coupling system to be divided into manageable modules, improving replaceability without reducing productivity.
2Reliability
If multiple connectors and cables are used to enhance electrical coupling, then signal transmission efficiency improves, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay substrate serves as an intermediary component between the substrate unit and the main system. It includes a cable that electrically couples the first connector (connected to the print head) and the second connector (connected to the substrate unit). This intermediary structure ensures reliable signal transmission while maintaining a clear modular architecture that simplifies assembly and maintenance.
3Ease of repair
If the substrate unit is designed as a replaceable module, then maintenance efficiency improves, but the precision of electrical connection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate unit is designed as a separate replaceable module with its own connectors (first and second connectors). The relay substrate includes a cable that provides electrical coupling between these connectors. This segmentation allows the substrate unit to be easily replaced for maintenance while the standardized connector interfaces ensure precise electrical connections are maintained during assembly.
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
Improves productivity and replaceability by optimizing signal propagation and component integration, reducing power consumption and heat generation, and enhancing discharge accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge section that discharges a liquid by displacement of a piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
a first cable through which a first voltage signal supplied to the substrate unit propagates, a second cable through which a second voltage signal supplied to the substrate unit propagates
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a liquid discharge apparatus including: a print head including a first connector; a substrate unit including a second connector fitted to the first connector and a third connector different from the second connector; and a relay substrate including a first cable through which a first voltage signal supplied to the substrate unit propagates, a second cable through which a second voltage signal supplied to the substrate unit propagates, a fourth connector fitted to the third connector, a relay substrate front surface, and a relay substrate back surface opposite to the relay substrate front surface, in which the first cable and the second cable are electrically coupled to the relay substrate front surface, the fourth connector is provided on the relay substrate back surface, and the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal propagate to the fourth connector.