Liquid Discharge Apparatus Cap Moisturizing Liquid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid discharge heads, ink in the nozzle can evaporate and thicken when not in use, causing it to adhere to the nozzle wall and hinder discharge or change the discharge direction. Additionally, when a suction pump is used to remove ink, it can adhere to the cap, leading to accumulation of dried ink, especially with high-drying inks.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus is designed with a head having a nozzle for discharging liquid, a cap to cover the nozzle, a first container for storing a moisturizing liquid, a pump to generate negative pressure between the cap and nozzle, a second container, and a waste liquid path connecting the cap and second container, with the first container connected to the waste liquid path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction pump is used to remove ink from the nozzle, then the ink can be removed from the nozzle, but the ink adheres to the cap and accumulates there
Solution Approach 1:
A moisturizing liquid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the ink and the cap. This liquid prevents direct adhesion between ink and cap by creating a protective layer, allowing the suction pump to remove ink without causing it to accumulate on the cap surface
Solution Approach 2:
The cap, which originally serves only to cover the nozzle, is transformed into a functional component that receives and stores moisturizing liquid. This converted function prevents ink adhesion while the cap structure remains in place
2Ease of operation
If the cap is removed from the nozzle surface, then the ink can be accessed for removal, but the adhered ink dries and accumulates in the cap
Solution Approach 1:
The moisturizing liquid is supplied to the cap before ink accumulation occurs. This preliminary application of liquid creates a protective environment that prevents ink from drying and adhering to the cap, even when the cap is removed for maintenance
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 apparatus effectively prevents ink from drying and adhering to the cap by supplying a moisturizing liquid directly to the cap, reducing the accumulation of dried ink and ensuring efficient ink discharge.
Implementation Method 1
a pump connected to the cap, the pump configured to generate a negative pressure in a space formed between the cap and the nozzle surface
Implementation Method 2
a first container configured to store a moisturizing liquid... the first container connected to the waste liquid path
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes: a head including a nozzle from which a liquid is discharged; a cap configured to cover a nozzle surface having the nozzle; a first container configured to store a moisturizing liquid; a pump connected to the cap, the pump configured to generate a negative pressure in a space formed between the cap and the nozzle surface; a second container; and a waste liquid path connecting the cap and the second container, and the first container connected to the waste liquid path.