Thermal Print Head Electrode Segmentation for Heat Dissipation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal print heads face inefficiencies in energy usage due to high thermal resistance and heat dissipation issues, which affect the ability to quickly raise the temperature of the heat resistor to achieve efficient printing.
Innovation Solution
The thermal print head design includes a heat resistor with specific electrode configurations, where the second strip portion of the electrodes has a reduced width and length, and an insulative region is incorporated within these portions, increasing thermal resistance and reducing heat dissipation to the base portion of the electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the electrode base portion has a large width for structural stability, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the thermal resistance increases and heat dissipation to the heat resistor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into two distinct portions: a base portion with larger width for mechanical strength and a second portion with reduced width for low thermal resistance. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the electrode are given different width dimensions tailored to their specific functions. The base portion has larger width for strength, while the second portion has reduced width for thermal conductivity, creating local quality variations that resolve the contradiction.
2Reliability
If the electrode extension portion is made long for better electrical connection, then the electrical conductivity is improved, but the thermal resistance increases and heating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode extension is segmented into a base portion for electrical connection and a second portion for heat transmission. This segmentation allows the electrical function to be fulfilled without compromising thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure exhibits local quality variations where the base portion has dimensions optimized for electrical connection while the second portion has dimensions optimized for thermal conductivity, resolving the contradiction between electrical reliability and heating efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If the electrode width is reduced uniformly to lower thermal resistance, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the mechanical strength and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into a strong base portion and a thin second portion, allowing the structure to have both strength where needed and low thermal resistance where heat transmission is required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniform width reduction, the electrode has local quality variations with larger width at the base for strength and reduced width at the second portion for thermal efficiency, simultaneously achieving both goals.
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 configuration reduces the energy needed to increase the temperature of the heat resistor, enhancing the energy efficiency of the thermal print head and improving printing performance on various media.
Implementation Method 1
a heat resistor (40), including a heat portion (41)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a thermal print head. The thermal print head includes: a heat resistor, a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode includes a base portion and an extension portion. The extension portion includes a first strip portion and a second strip portion. A first width of the first strip portion is less than a second width of the base portion at a conjunction between the second strip portion and the base portion. A third width of the second strip portion at the conjunction between the second strip portion and the base portion is less than the second width. A width of at least a portion of the second strip portion is equal to or less than the first width. A length of the second strip portion is greater than a half of a difference between a length of the first strip portion and a width of the heat resistor.