Recording Element Substrate Vertical Circuit Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of recording element arrays on substrates leads to restrictions on circuit disposition and surface area expansion, with existing technologies failing to provide specific guidance on optimizing circuit placement.

Innovation Solution

A rectangular substrate with first and second element arrays, pad arrays, reception, data generation, signal generation, and output circuits strategically disposed between recording element arrays and pad arrays, allowing efficient data processing and signal management without increasing surface area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of recording element arrays is increased, then the functionality and data processing capability are improved, but the surface area of the substrate increases and circuit disposition becomes restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidsurface area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of circuits to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple circuit layers are vertically stacked above the recording element arrays, with interlayer connections established through vias. This vertical stacking enables increased functionality and data processing capability without proportionally increasing the substrate's surface area, as circuits are distributed across multiple height levels rather than spreading out horizontally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where circuit layers are stacked one above another, with each layer containing circuits that are vertically aligned or offset from previous layers. The circuits are arranged in a nested configuration where upper circuit layers are positioned above and around the recording element arrays, creating a compact three-dimensional integration that increases functionality without expanding the footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If the number of recording element arrays is increased, then the data processing capability is improved, but the circuit disposition becomes restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidcircuit disposition
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves circuit disposition restrictions by moving circuits to higher spatial dimensions. Multiple circuit layers are stacked vertically, allowing circuits to be routed through different height levels. This three-dimensional arrangement provides greater freedom in circuit layout and interconnection, enabling enhanced data processing capability without being constrained by planar disposition rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the circuit system into multiple separate circuit layers, each handling specific functions or data streams. By segmenting the circuits into distinct horizontal planes stacked vertically, the patent simplifies the disposition of individual circuits within each layer while achieving overall high data processing capability through the combined functionality of all layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If high-frequency applications are implemented, then the performance is improved, but the surface area expansion and circuit restriction problems arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-frequency performanceVSAvoidsurface area
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves high-frequency performance by implementing circuits in multiple stacked layers rather than expanding them across a larger surface area. The vertical stacking enables shorter signal paths and reduced parasitic inductance, which are critical for high-frequency operation, while maintaining a compact footprint that does not require increased surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9579888B2Recording element substrate
Publication Date: 2017.02.28 CANON KK
  • US9579888B2 patent drawing
  • US9579888B2 patent drawing
  • US9579888B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A substrate includes a first and a second element arrays in each of which a plurality of elements is arrayed along a first direction of the substrate, a first and a second pad arrays in which a plurality of pads is arrayed along respective two opposite sides extending along a second direction of the substrate, a reception circuit configured to receive data for driving the elements, a data circuit configured to generate data corresponding to the first and the second element array, respectively based on the received data, a signal generation circuit configured to generate a period signal for determining a drive period of the elements based on the generated data, and an output circuit configured to output information related to the substrate.