Thermal Head Protection Layer Design for Heat Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In thermal heads, heat generated by heat generation portions can be concentrated on the first protection layer with high thermal conductivity, leading to inefficient heat diffusion and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
A thermal head design featuring a first protection layer with high thermal conductivity and a second protection layer with even higher thermal conductivity, where the width of the second protection layer is larger than the first, to efficiently diffuse heat away from the heat generation portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a first protection layer with high thermal conductivity is provided on the heat generation portions, then the protection layer can effectively protect the electrodes, but heat becomes concentrated on the heat generation portions due to efficient heat transfer to the protection layer
Solution Approach 1:
The protection layer is segmented into two distinct layers: a first protection layer with high thermal conductivity for protecting electrodes, and a second protection layer with lower thermal conductivity for reducing heat concentration. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without the adverse effects of the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the protection structure are given different thermal conductivity properties. The first protection layer (closer to electrodes) has high thermal conductivity for effective protection, while the second protection layer (outer layer) has lower thermal conductivity to reduce heat concentration on the heat generation portions.
2Loss of energy
If a protection layer with high thermal conductivity is used, then heat can be efficiently transferred away from the heat generation portions, but heat may be diffused to surrounding areas causing heat concentration in other regions
Solution Approach 1:
The second protection layer with lower thermal conductivity acts as an intermediary between the first protection layer and the surrounding environment. It controls and moderates the heat transfer process, preventing uncontrolled heat diffusion to surrounding areas while still allowing efficient heat transfer from the heat generation portions.
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
This design effectively reduces the likelihood of heat concentration on the heat generation portions, improving thermal head performance by efficiently diffusing heat and enhancing printing efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a second protection layer which is disposed on the first protection layer and has a higher thermal conductivity than that of the first protection layer
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal head which is capable of reducing heat concentration on heat generation portions, and a thermal printer provided with the thermal head are provided. A thermal head includes a substrate; a plurality of heat generation portions which are disposed aligned on the substrate; electrodes which are electrically connected to the heat generation portions; and a protection layer which coats the heat generation portions and a part of the respective electrodes. The protection layer includes a first protection layer which is disposed on the heat generation portions and a second protection layer which is disposed on the first protection layer and has a higher thermal conductivity than that of the first protection layer. A width of the second protection layer is larger than that of the first protection layer when seen in an arrangement direction of the heat generation portions.