Thermal Head Oxide Layer Reduces Sticking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal heads experience sticking issues with recording media due to a large contact area, which is not effectively prevented by surface irregularities that wear off over time, leading to recurring sticking problems.
Innovation Solution
A thermal head design featuring a substrate with a heat generating section, electrode, protective layer with depression portions, and metal particles covered by an oxide layer, where the oxide layer's surface is positioned deeper than the protective layer's surface, reducing contact area and promoting abrasive powder formation for lubrication, while the metal particles enhance thermal conductivity and anchor strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surface irregularities are formed on the protective layer to reduce contact area, then sticking is prevented initially, but the irregularities wear off over time causing sticking to recur
Solution Approach 1:
Metal particles are embedded in the protective layer before use, and an oxide layer is formed on their surfaces in advance. These pre-positioned particles with oxide coatings serve as persistent friction-reducing elements that continuously generate abrasive powder during operation, providing long-term sticking prevention without relying on surface irregularities that wear off.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal particles with oxide layer surfaces automatically generate abrasive powder through friction with the recording medium during normal operation. This self-generated abrasive powder continuously lubricates the interface between the thermal head and recording medium, creating a self-sustaining mechanism that maintains sticking prevention over extended periods without requiring external intervention or replacement of surface features.
2Use of energy by moving object
If metal particles are added to the protective layer to enhance thermal conductivity, then thermal efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Metal particles are selectively embedded only in specific regions of the protective layer where thermal conductivity enhancement is most beneficial, rather than uniformly throughout. The oxide layer is formed only on the particle surfaces that contact the recording medium, creating localized functional zones that improve thermal efficiency without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire protective layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer is constructed as a composite material system combining the base protective layer material with dispersed metal particles. Each component serves a specific function: the base material provides protection and structural integrity, while the metal particles provide enhanced thermal conductivity. The oxide layer on particle surfaces provides both thermal benefits and friction reduction. This composite approach achieves multiple functions through material composition rather than complex structural arrangements.
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
The design significantly reduces sticking occurrences over a long period by minimizing contact area and utilizing abrasive powder as a lubricant, while improving thermal efficiency and preventing peeling of the protective layer.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing abrasive powder as a lubricant
Implementation Method 2
the metal particles enhance thermal conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal head of the present disclosure includes a substrate; a heat generating section disposed on the substrate; an electrode which is disposed on the substrate and is connected to the heat generating section; a protective layer covering the heat generating section and the electrode, the protective layer having a surface provided with a depression portion; at least one particle of metal disposed inside the depression portion; and an oxide layer covering the at least one particle, the oxide layer being formed of oxides of the metal. A surface of the oxide layer is exposed to an outside and is located in a deeper position of the depression portion than the surface of the protective layer around the depression portion.