Liquid Discharge Apparatus Buffer Tank Exhaust Heat Vaporization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid discharge apparatuses face issues with nozzle clogging and reduced discharging performance due to decreased contact between the nozzle face and head cap, leading to drying and solidification of liquid, which affects purging and waste liquid collection.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a buffer tank and heat source to introduce exhaust heat, generating vapor and maintaining moisture, includes a heater to heat the buffer tank and control humidity and temperature, preventing liquid from drying and clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the head cap is coupled with the liquid tank directly, then the structure is simple, but the liquid dries and solidifies causing clogging of the piping
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer tank is introduced as an intermediary component between the head cap and the liquid tank. The buffer tank temporarily stores liquid and prevents direct coupling, thereby eliminating piping clogging while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the head cap is attached to the liquid discharge head for coverage, then the nozzle face is protected from drying, but the liquid adheres to the head cap and dries causing decreased contact
Solution Approach 1:
Vapor generated in the buffer tank serves as an intermediary medium to prevent liquid adhesion and drying on the head cap, maintaining contact between the nozzle face and head cap while protecting the nozzle face.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature and humidity parameters in the buffer tank are controlled through heating and vapor generation, creating an environment that prevents liquid drying and maintains proper contact conditions.
3Reliability
If vapor is used to prevent drying of the nozzle face, then the nozzle face is protected, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Exhaust heat from the heat source is converted into useful vapor generation in the buffer tank, transforming waste heat into a beneficial resource for preventing nozzle face drying and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own exhaust heat to generate vapor for protecting the nozzle face, making the system self-sufficient and reducing external energy requirements.
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
Effectively prevents nozzle face drying and clogging, ensuring continuous operation and reducing energy consumption by using waste heat for vapor generation, even with quick-drying liquids and extended standby times.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to heat the liquid stored in the buffer tank
Implementation Method 2
a heat source configured to generate heat and a heat introduction passage coupling the heat source with the buffer tank, to introduce exhaust heat from the heat source into the buffer tank
Implementation Method 3
vapor arising from waste liquid collected in a tank is used to prevent drying of the nozzle face
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid discharge head including a nozzle face including a nozzle configured to discharge a liquid, a head cap configured to cover the nozzle face of the liquid discharge head, a buffer tank disposed downstream from the head cap in a direction of collection of the liquid from the liquid discharge head and configured to temporarily store the liquid, a communication passage coupling the head cap and the buffer tank, and a heater configured to heat the liquid stored in the buffer tank. The quid discharge apparatus further includes a heat source configured to generate heat and a heat introduction passage coupling the heat source with the buffer tank, to introduce exhaust heat from the heat source into the buffer tank.