Detachable Cleaning Unit for Inkjet Printhead Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing cleaning systems for liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, face challenges in efficiently replacing the cleaning unit without misalignment and with minimal effort, as the precise alignment of the cleaning member with the printhead is time-consuming and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning unit with a detachable holder and an absorbent body wrapped around an elastic body, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, and utilizing a magnetic holder for secure positioning, which simplifies the replacement process and reduces the risk of misalignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cleaning member is precisely aligned during attachment, then the cleaning performance is improved, but the replacement time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning unit is divided into separate components: the holder and the cleaning member. The holder can be detached and replaced independently, while the cleaning member remains fixed on the holder. This segmentation allows the holder to be quickly swapped without requiring precise realignment of the cleaning member itself, thus reducing replacement time while maintaining cleaning performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning member is pre-aligned and fixed on the holder during manufacturing or initial assembly. This preliminary alignment ensures that when the holder is attached to the liquid ejecting apparatus, the cleaning member is already in the correct position, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment during each replacement operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the cleaning member is precisely aligned during attachment, then the cleaning performance is improved, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidreplacement effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the holder from the cleaning member, the system allows users to simply attach or detach the holder without needing to perform complex alignment operations. The cleaning member remains fixed on the holder, so no manual positioning is required during replacement, significantly simplifying the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is designed with self-aligning features that automatically position the cleaning member correctly when attached to the liquid ejecting apparatus. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for user intervention in the alignment process, making the replacement operation simple and foolproof.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the cleaning member is directly handled, then the alignment can be adjusted, but the risk of damage to the ejecting head increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidrisk of damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holder acts as an intermediary between the user and the cleaning member. Users attach or detach the holder without directly handling the cleaning member, which prevents accidental contact with the ejecting head. The holder's design ensures proper positioning is maintained while reducing the risk of damage during replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If the cleaning unit is made detachable, then the replacement efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplacement efficiencyVSAvoidholder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning unit is segmented into a holder and a cleaning member, with the holder being detachable. This segmentation enables quick replacement of the holder without affecting the cleaning member, significantly improving replacement efficiency. The holder's detachable design, while adding some structural complexity, uses simple connection mechanisms that minimize the overall complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables quick and effortless replacement of the cleaning unit, reduces the risk of damage to the ejecting head, and maintains effective cleaning performance by using the absorbent body to absorb liquid and remove foreign matter without requiring direct handling of the soiled cleaning member.

Implementation Method 1

an absorbent body configured to absorb liquid is wrapped around an elastic body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11865842B2Cleaning unit, liquid ejecting apparatus, and method for replacing cleaning unit

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A cleaning unit is provided with a cleaning member for cleaning an ejecting head for ejecting liquid and a holder detachably mounted in a holding portion disposed at a position faceable with the ejecting head. The cleaning member is held in the holder in a state in which an absorbent body configured to absorb liquid is wrapped around an elastic body.