Thermal Head Protective Layer Abrasion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal heads face challenges in achieving high abrasion resistance, leading to reduced longevity and efficiency in printing on recording media due to insufficient protection of heat generators and electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A thermal head design featuring a protective layer composed of titanium and nitrogen, with a specific crystal structure and thickness, that enhances abrasion resistance by reducing dynamic friction and internal stress, allowing for longer running distances and improved thermal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a protective layer containing titanium and nitrogen is used, then abrasion resistance is improved, but the running distance is reduced due to sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is divided into multiple layers with different compositions and functions. The first protective layer (titanium nitride) provides abrasion resistance, while the second protective layer (titanium oxide or other materials) reduces sticking. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the protective layer have different properties. The layer closer to the heat generating element has high hardness for abrasion resistance, while the outer layer has lower friction characteristics to prevent sticking. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between abrasion resistance and running distance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the protective layer is made thinner to improve heat conduction, then thermal efficiency is improved, but abrasion resistance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is segmented into multiple thin layers, each with optimized thickness for its specific function. The total thickness is controlled to maintain good heat conduction, while the cumulative protective effect of multiple layers provides sufficient abrasion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer uses composite material structure with different layers having different properties. This allows optimization of both thermal conduction (through material selection and thickness control) and abrasion resistance (through hard material composition), resolving the contradiction between thermal efficiency and durability.
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 with a titanium-nitrogen protective layer exhibits increased abrasion resistance, reduced sticking, and enhanced thermal efficiency, enabling longer operational runs and improved printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
The protective layer has a crystal structure in which a plurality of (200) planes are present more than (111) planes, and thus has higher abrasion resistance and less dynamic friction
Implementation Method 2
The protective layer has a crystal structure in which a plurality of (200) planes are present more than (111) planes, and thus has higher abrasion resistance and less internal stress
Implementation Method 3
The heat generator is positioned on the substrate... The thermal head has a protective layer... that enhances thermal efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal head X1 according to the present disclosure includes a substrate 7, a heat generator 9, electrodes 17 and 19, and a protective layer 25. The heat generator 9 is positioned on the substrate 7. The electrodes 17 and 19 are positioned on the substrate 7 and connected to the heat generator 9. The protective layer 25 covers the heat generator 9 and part of the electrodes 17 and 19. The protective layer 25 contains titanium and nitrogen. The protective layer 25 satisfies P2>P1 where P1 is the peak intensity of X-ray diffraction of the (111) plane, and P2 is the peak intensity of X-ray diffraction of the (200) plane.