Thermal Head Protective Layer Void for Heat Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal heads face inefficiencies in heat transmission and retention due to the dissipation of heat generated in the heat generating sections, leading to reduced thermal efficiency and potential corrosion and damage from external moisture.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a protective layer with a closed first void within the thermal head, which acts as a heat-insulating portion to reduce heat dissipation from the discrete electrode and enhance thermal efficiency by retaining heat within the heat generating section, while also preventing external moisture intrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a protective layer covers the heat generating section and electrode connecting portion, then the thermal efficiency is improved through heat conduction, but heat dissipation from the electrode connecting portion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal efficiencyVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The protective layer is designed with spatially varying properties: it has high heat conduction in regions where heat transmission is needed (heat generating section to recording medium) while incorporating low heat conduction portions (voids) in regions where heat dissipation should be prevented (electrode connecting portion). This local differentiation of thermal properties resolves the contradiction between improving overall thermal efficiency and preventing unwanted heat loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protective layer incorporates voids (air pockets) within its structure, particularly at the electrode connecting portion. Since air has low thermal conductivity, these porous regions act as thermal insulators, preventing heat from dissipating through the electrode connecting portion while the rest of the protective layer maintains its heat conduction function for efficient heat transfer to the recording medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If the protective layer is highly heat-conductive for efficient heat transmission, then thermal efficiency improves, but the risk of external moisture intrusion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal efficiencyVSAvoidmoisture intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective layer combines regions of high heat conduction (for efficient heat transmission to the recording medium) with regions of low heat conduction (voids at the electrode connecting portion) that also provide moisture barrier functionality. The void-containing regions serve dual purposes: thermal insulation and moisture protection, while maintaining overall thermal efficiency through the heat-conductive portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If heat is efficiently transmitted to the recording medium, then printing performance improves, but heat retention in the heat generating section decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting performanceVSAvoidheat retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The protective layer is designed with differentiated thermal conductivity in different spatial regions: high heat conduction toward the recording medium for efficient heat transmission and improved printing performance, while incorporating low heat conduction portions (voids) at the electrode connecting portion to prevent lateral heat loss and maintain heat retention in the heat generating section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 thermal head achieves improved thermal efficiency by efficiently transmitting heat to the recording medium and reducing the risk of corrosion and damage, with the closed void maintaining heat-insulating capabilities and ensuring sealability.

Implementation Method 1

there is shown a description as to a way to achieve efficient transmission of heat generated in the heat generating section to a recording medium with use of the highly heat-conductive protective layer for improvement in thermal efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a part of the protective layer which is disposed on the connecting portion has a closed first void therein... acts as a heat-insulating portion to reduce heat dissipation from the discrete electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS10245843B2Thermal head and thermal printer

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

A thermal head of the disclosure includes a substrate; a heat generating section disposed on the substrate; an electrode disposed on the substrate, the electrode having a connecting portion connected to the heat generating section; and a protective layer which covers the heat generating section and the connecting portion of the electrode, a part of the protective layer which is disposed on the connecting portion having a closed first void therein.