Droplet Ejection Head Nozzle Immersion and Solvent-Resistant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Droplet ejection apparatuses face issues with nozzle clogging and offset ejection due to ink drying in nozzles, especially when using liquefied materials containing functional solvents, which can cause deterioration of rubber-based cap and seal members, leading to reduced sealing performance and potential adhesion to the nozzle surface.
Innovation Solution
A droplet ejection apparatus with a cap casing that immerses the nozzle forming surface in a liquid matching the solvent type during non-operational periods, using a solvent-resistant elastic seal member to prevent drying and maintain air-tightness, and a method for recovering the droplet ejection head by immersing the nozzle surface in the liquid, sealing it, and performing suction to draw out the liquefied material and foreign matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber-based cap or seal member is used to seal the nozzle forming surface, then sealing performance is improved, but the cap or seal member deteriorates when exposed to solvent-based liquefied material, leading to reduced sealing performance and potential adhesion to the nozzle surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the cap and seal member from rubber-based materials to solvent-resistant materials such as resin or metal. This parameter change eliminates the deterioration issue while maintaining the sealing function, as the new materials do not interact adversely with the solvent-based liquefied material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures where the cap and seal member are made from materials that combine sealing capability with solvent resistance. This allows the sealing surface to maintain both its sealing performance and chemical stability when exposed to functional solvents.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the nozzle forming surface is sealed by the cap to prevent air exposure, then drying of the liquefied material is prevented, but nozzle clogging or offset ejection can occur after excessively long sealing periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by implementing a recovery process that includes immersion in liquid, sealing, suction to remove dried material, and wiping before storage. This preliminary maintenance prevents nozzle clogging and offset ejection that would otherwise occur after extended storage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a recovery process that discards dried and degraded liquefied material from the nozzles through suction and wiping operations, then restores the nozzle forming surface to a clean state. This allows the system to maintain reliability over extended storage durations.
3Ease of operation
If the cap or seal member is made of rubber to ensure flexibility and sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but the rubber material adheres to the nozzle forming surface when deteriorated, causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rubber to solvent-resistant materials like resin or metal, eliminating the adhesion problem while maintaining the necessary sealing flexibility and operational ease through proper material selection and surface design.
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
Prevents nozzle clogging and offset ejection by keeping the nozzle surface submerged in the liquid, maintaining the seal member's integrity, and ensuring stable ejection performance, even during extended storage or use with solvent-based materials.
Implementation Method 1
the movement device arranges the cap casing relative to the droplet ejection head in such a manner that the nozzle forming surface is immersed in the liquid retained in the accommodating portion
Implementation Method 2
the nozzle forming surface is sealed with improved air-tightness
Implementation Method 3
drawing the liquefied material from the interior of the droplet ejection head through the nozzle with the nozzle forming surface sealed by the cap casing
Data Source
AI summary
A droplet ejection apparatus having a droplet ejection head, a cap casing, a pump, and a movement device is disclosed. The droplet ejection head ejects liquefied material containing functional material from nozzles as droplets. The cap casing has an accommodating portion in which a portion of the droplet ejection head including at least the nozzle forming surface is accommodated. The pump supplies liquid to the accommodating portion. The movement device moves at least one of the cap casing and the droplet ejection head relative with the other. When recovery is performed on the droplet ejection head or the droplet ejection head is held in a nonoperating state, the movement device arranges the cap casing relative to the droplet ejection head in such a manner that the nozzle forming surface is immersed in the liquid retained in the accommodating portion.