Detachable Wet Cap Support for Discharge Nozzle Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cap devices for discharge devices, such as those used in three-dimensional printers, lack adequate maintainability, leading to suboptimal management of nozzle states due to insufficient maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A cap device comprising a wet cap body with a fixing portion that abuts on the nozzle in a wet state and a cap support section that detachably supports the wet cap body, allowing for removal and maintenance, along with a detection system to ensure proper mounting and prevent liquid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cap device uses a fixed capping member to maintain nozzle state, then the nozzle can be capped effectively, but the maintainability of the capping member deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap device is divided into a reusable cap body and disposable cap members (wet cap and dry cap). The cap body remains fixed while the cap members are periodically replaced, separating the maintenance burden from the critical capping function. This allows the nozzle to be reliably capped while the cap members can be easily maintained or replaced without affecting the cap body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable cap members (wet cap and dry cap) that are replaced periodically rather than maintained. These cap members are designed to be low-cost, single-use components that ensure reliable nozzle capping while eliminating complex maintenance requirements. The disposable nature of these components directly addresses the maintainability issue.
2Ease of operation
If the cap device structure is simplified for ease of use, then the operation becomes easier, but the detection capability for improper mounting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap members are designed with self-checking features where improper mounting automatically prevents device operation. The detection section detects whether the cap member is properly mounted, and the control section prevents operation if mounting is incorrect. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while ensuring proper mounting through automatic detection and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a detection section that provides feedback on cap member mounting status to the control section. When improper mounting is detected, the control section prevents device operation, creating a feedback loop that ensures correct mounting without complicating the user interface. This feedback mechanism maintains simplicity while enabling detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cap device includes multiple cap members (wet cap and dry cap), then the nozzle can be protected in different states, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capping function is segmented into two specialized cap members: a wet cap for liquid retention and a dry cap for dust protection. Each cap member is optimized for its specific function, allowing the device to handle different nozzle states effectively. This segmentation provides versatility while keeping each individual cap member structurally simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Both wet cap and dry cap members share the same basic mounting interface and structural framework, allowing them to serve multiple functions within a unified system. The cap body and mounting mechanism are designed to accommodate both cap types, providing universal functionality while maintaining structural simplicity. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall complexity compared to having entirely separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A cap device is used in a discharge device including a discharge head configured to discharge a liquid substance from a nozzle, and the cap device includes a wet cap body including a fixing portion configured to abut on the nozzle in a wet state and cap the nozzle, and a cap support section configured to position the wet cap body and detachably support the wet cap body.