Tubular Elastic Sealer for Liquid Ejecting Head Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting head units face challenges in hermetically sealing passages between upstream and downstream passage members, leading to potential separation and misalignment issues due to elastic deformation and pressure applied perpendicular to the liquid ejecting surface, which can result in malfunction and deviation of ink droplets during the recording process.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting head unit design that incorporates a tubular sealing member made of elastic material with a support portion to apply pressure in the penetration direction, allowing for easy positioning and assembly while suppressing pressure application perpendicular to the liquid ejecting surface, thereby maintaining hermetic sealing and preventing separation or warping of the liquid ejecting head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plate-like elastic sealing member is pinched between upstream and downstream passage members to achieve hermetic sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but pressure is applied perpendicular to the liquid ejecting surface causing warping and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is changed from a plate-like shape to a tubular shape that extends in the liquid ejection direction (depth dimension). This dimensional change allows the sealing surface to be oriented perpendicular to the liquid ejecting surface, so that sealing pressure is applied in the sealing direction rather than perpendicular to the ejecting surface, thereby eliminating warping while maintaining hermetic sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular sealing member provides localized sealing at the connection passage between upstream and downstream passage members, concentrating the sealing function in a specific region. The sealing surface is positioned to apply pressure locally at the connection interface without transmitting force to the liquid ejecting surface, thus achieving effective sealing while preserving alignment precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If two passages are connected through a tube to reduce pressure perpendicular to the liquid ejecting surface, then warping is reduced, but assembly becomes complicated due to fitting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular sealing member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides hermetic sealing of the connection passage, supports the downstream passage member, and prevents warping of the liquid ejecting surface. This merged structure eliminates the need for separate fitting operations and simplifies assembly while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular sealing member acts as an intermediary element that simplifies the connection between upstream and downstream passage members. Instead of requiring precise fitting of separate tube components, the elastomeric tubular sealing member provides a compliant interface that accommodates dimensional variations and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining structural integrity and alignment.
3Reliability
If pressing is applied during assembly of passage members to achieve hermetic sealing, then sealing is improved, but pressure is applied in the separation direction causing potential separation
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular sealing member orientates the sealing pressure in the depth dimension (liquid ejection direction) rather than in the horizontal separation direction. This allows hermetic sealing to be achieved through pressure applied in a different dimension, eliminating the trade-off between sealing effectiveness and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric tubular sealing member deforms under pressing to achieve hermetic sealing, then maintains the sealed state through its elastic recovery. The flexible tubular structure distributes the sealing pressure along its circumference and length, providing reliable sealing without concentrating force that would cause separation or damage to the connection.
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 enhances the assembly process and maintains the integrity of the liquid ejecting head by applying pressure in the penetration direction, reducing the risk of separation and misalignment, ensuring reliable ink droplet delivery and improved operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing member that connects the upstream passage of the upstream passage member and the downstream passage of the downstream passage member, includes a tubular portion provided inside with a connection passage through which liquid flows, and is made of an elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
A head unit includes a head, an upstream member with an upstream passage supplied with liquid, a downstream member with a downstream passage communicating with the upstream passage and supplying liquid to the head, an elastic sealer connecting the upstream and downstream passages, and including a tube with a connection passage, and a support between the sealer and the downstream member. In the head unit, the upstream member and the sealer apply pressure in a penetration direction of the connection passage and hermetically seal the upstream passage, the sealer and the downstream member apply pressure in a direction perpendicular to the penetration direction of the tube and hermetically seal the downstream passage, and the support abuts a region on a surface of the sealer, the surface being opposite the upstream member, the region overlapping a region to which the sealer and the upstream member apply pressure.