Liquid Discharge Head Cleaning Cap Segmentation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning techniques for discharge openings in liquid discharge apparatuses can lead to secondary pollution as substances around the discharge surface mix with the cleaning liquid, affecting the discharge performance.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharge apparatus with a detachable cap forming a holding space for cleaning liquid, a supply portion facing the discharge surface, and an outlet portion positioned outside the supply portion to prevent contaminants from entering the cleaning liquid, ensuring effective cleaning without mixing substances from the environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cleaning liquid is supplied to clean the discharge surface, then the discharge opening can be maintained, but substances around the discharge surface may mix into the cleaning liquid and adversely affect the discharge opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge performanceVSAvoidsecondary pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is divided into distinct functional regions: a supply portion for introducing cleaning liquid at a position facing the discharge surface, and an outlet portion for draining cleaning liquid at a position outside the supply portion. This segmentation creates separate zones for cleaning liquid introduction and discharge, preventing substances around the discharge surface from mixing into the cleaning liquid while maintaining effective cleaning of the discharge opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cap acts as an intermediary component between the cleaning liquid supply system and the discharge surface. It provides a controlled environment (holding space) where cleaning liquid can contact the discharge surface for cleaning, while the specifically positioned supply and outlet portions mediate the flow to prevent contamination from surrounding substances from entering the cleaning liquid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If cleaning liquid contacts the discharge surface, then the discharge opening can be cleaned, but the cleaning liquid may become contaminated with substances around the discharge surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge opening cleanlinessVSAvoidcleaning liquid contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is divided into distinct functional regions: a supply portion for introducing cleaning liquid at a position facing the discharge surface, and an outlet portion for draining cleaning liquid at a position outside the supply portion. This segmentation creates separate zones for cleaning liquid introduction and discharge, preventing substances around the discharge surface from mixing into the cleaning liquid while maintaining effective cleaning of the discharge opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If the supply portion is positioned facing the discharge surface, then cleaning liquid can effectively reach the discharge opening, but substances around the discharge surface may enter the cleaning liquid flow path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge opening cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidsubstance mixing

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is divided into distinct functional regions: a supply portion for introducing cleaning liquid at a position facing the discharge surface, and an outlet portion for draining cleaning liquid at a position outside the supply portion. This segmentation creates separate zones for cleaning liquid introduction and discharge, preventing substances around the discharge surface from mixing into the cleaning liquid while maintaining effective cleaning of the discharge opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12257842B2Liquid discharge apparatus, imprint apparatus, and cleaning method

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 CANON KK

AI summary

A liquid discharge apparatus includes a discharge head including a discharge surface formed with a plurality of discharge openings from which a liquid is discharged, a cap configured to be detachably attached to the discharge head and form a holding space for a cleaning liquid such that the cleaning liquid contacts the discharge surface, a supply portion configured to connect to the cap and to supply the cleaning liquid to the holding space, and an outlet portion configured to connect to the cap and to drain the cleaning liquid from the holding space. The supply portion is formed at a position facing the discharge surface. The outlet portion is formed at a position outside the supply portion in an inside-outside direction of the discharge surface.