Conductivity Sensor for Inkjet Print Head Cleaning Fluid Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for supplying cleaning fluids to inkjet printing devices rely solely on barcode or RFID tags to ensure compatibility, which can lead to damage if the tag is damaged, incorrectly applied, or if the cleaning fluid is contaminated.

Innovation Solution

An arrangement that includes a supply line connected to a print head cleaning unit, a means for transporting the cleaning fluid, and a conductivity sensor to determine the electrical conductivity of the cleaning fluid before it reaches the print head, ensuring only compatible fluids are used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If barcode or RFID tags are used to identify cleaning fluid compatibility, then the system can prevent damage from incompatible fluids, but the system remains vulnerable to tag damage, incorrect application, or fluid contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve reliability of cleaning fluid compatibility verificationVSAvoid vulnerability to tag damage, incorrect application, or fluid contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical tag reading system (barcode or RFID) with an electrical measurement system. A conductivity sensor directly measures the electrical conductivity of the cleaning fluid to verify its compatibility with the inkjet printing device. This substitution eliminates the vulnerabilities associated with physical tags while providing continuous, reliable verification of fluid compatibility through direct electrical property measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electrical conductivity as an intermediary property to verify cleaning fluid compatibility. Instead of directly reading tags or visually inspecting fluids, the system measures the conductivity of the cleaning fluid, which serves as a reliable indicator of its composition and compatibility. This intermediary measurement provides a robust verification method that is not susceptible to tag damage or application errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If cleaning fluid is supplied directly to the print head cleaning unit, then the process is simple and fast, but incompatible or contaminated fluids can cause clogging or damage to the print head

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve speed of cleaning fluid supplyVSAvoid clogging or damage to the print head

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary verification of cleaning fluid compatibility by measuring its electrical conductivity before the fluid is supplied to the print head cleaning unit. The conductivity sensor is positioned in the supply line upstream of the print head, allowing the system to verify fluid compatibility in advance. This preliminary action prevents incompatible or contaminated fluids from reaching and damaging the print head, while maintaining a simple and fast supply process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the conductivity sensor continuously monitors the cleaning fluid's electrical conductivity and provides information to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the system can verify fluid compatibility and prevent supply of incompatible fluids to the print head. This feedback loop ensures rapid detection and prevention of potential damage while maintaining efficient cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution effectively prevents damage to inkjet printing devices by ensuring that only compatible cleaning fluids are used, thereby avoiding clogging or damage to the print heads.

Implementation Method 1

the arrangement comprises a means for determining a conductivity of the cleaning fluid in the infeed line. The conductivity is in particular an electrical conductivity. The means for determining a conductivity of the cleaning fluid is thus in particular a sensor with which the electrical conductivity of the cleaning fluid can be determined.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity measurement: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250115049A1Arrangement and Method for Supplying a Print Head Cleaning Unit of an Inkjet Printing Device with a Cleaning Fluid

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 CANON PRODN PRINTING HLDG BV

AI summary

In an arrangement for supplying a print head cleaning unit of an inkjet printing device with a cleaning fluid, a supply line is provided that can be connected at least with the print head cleaning unit. A cleaning fluid can be fed to the print head cleaning unit via the supply line. Furthermore, the arrangement includes a pump for transporting the cleaning fluid at least through the supply line. The cleaning fluid can be fed to the transport means via an infeed line. The arrangement also includes a sensor for determining the conductivity of the cleaning fluid in the infeed line.