Relay Substrate Consolidates Drive Signal Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintenance of liquid discharge apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, is hindered by the complexity and labor required for inserting or removing multiple wires used to supply drive signals to the liquid discharge head, leading to decreased maintenance performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus utilizing a single relay substrate to relay drive signals from two wires to the liquid discharge head, reducing the number of connections needed and simplifying the maintenance process by using a relay connector to connect to both wires and the liquid discharge head's connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple wires are used to supply drive signals from the drive substrate to the liquid discharge head, then the liquid discharge head can be driven properly, but the maintenance performance and work efficiency decrease due to the complexity of wire insertion and removal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wire connections into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector includes multiple contact terminals that electrically connect to multiple wires, allowing all drive signals to be supplied through one unified connection point rather than requiring separate insertion and removal of each individual wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a universal interface that handles multiple functions simultaneously - it provides electrical connections for multiple drive signals, mechanical support for wire attachment, and a unified interface for maintenance operations. This multi-functional design allows a single connector component to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate wire management systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If many wires are used to supply drive signals, then the liquid discharge head can be fully controlled, but the labor and time required for wire insertion and removal increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple wire connection functions into a single component. Instead of requiring separate insertion operations for each wire, the connector allows all electrical connections to be established simultaneously through one attachment action, significantly reducing the time and labor required for maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-configured with multiple contact terminals positioned to align with corresponding wires. This preliminary arrangement of connection points allows for rapid connection without requiring precise manual alignment of each wire, thereby reducing the time and complexity of the connection process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wires are used for drive signal supply, then complete control of the liquid discharge head is achieved, but the risk of user error during wire insertion and removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple wire connections into a single connector assembly, the patent reduces the number of discrete connection operations from many individual wire insertions to a single unified connection. This consolidation minimizes the opportunities for user error, such as inserting wires into incorrect positions or missing connections, thereby improving maintenance operation reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid discharge head configured to discharge a liquid, a first wire and a second wire to which a first drive signal and a second drive signal for driving the liquid discharge head is respectively supplied, and a single relay substrate configured to relay the first drive signal and the second drive signal from the first wire and the second wire to the liquid discharge head. The single relay substrate includes a first connector configured to be connected to the first wire, a second connector configured to be connected to the second wire, and a relay connector configured to be connected to a head-side connector of the liquid discharge head. The relay connector outputs, to the head-side connector, the first drive signal supplied from the first wire to the first connector, and the second drive signal supplied from the second wire to the second connector.