Dual-Contact Absorption Member for Nozzle Surface Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink-jet printers, face issues with nozzle surface deterioration due to high pressing forces used for wiping, which can damage the nozzle surface and lead to poor print quality, especially when dealing with convex and concave portions on the nozzle surface.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a dual-contact mechanism using a first and second contacting section, where the first contact applies lower pressure to the nozzle peripheral area than the second contact, utilizing a belt-shaped absorption member with varying compressibility and a raised surface for efficient liquid absorption while minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pressing force of the absorption member against the nozzle surface is increased to improve wiping performance, then liquid absorption performance is improved, but the nozzle surface becomes more susceptible to damage and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The wiping process is divided into two distinct contact phases: first contact with lower pressure for initial liquid absorption, and second contact with higher pressure for finish wiping. This segmentation allows each phase to optimize its pressure level, preventing nozzle surface damage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The first contact performs preliminary wiping at lower pressure to remove bulk liquid and foreign objects before the second contact applies higher pressure for finish wiping. This preliminary action prevents direct high-pressure contact with the nozzle surface, reducing damage risk.
2Manufacturing precision
If the width of the nozzle-surface roller is reduced to match the nozzle area, then finish wiping precision is improved, but the pressing force on the nozzle peripheral area becomes excessively high causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing force is made dynamic through two-stage contact: the first contact uses lower pressure suitable for the entire nozzle surface including peripheral areas, while the second contact uses higher pressure focused on the nozzle peripheral area. This dynamic pressure adjustment prevents static excessive pressure damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiping function is segmented between two contacting sections with different pressure characteristics. The first contacting section performs gentle initial wiping, while the second contacting section performs precise finish wiping with controlled pressure, avoiding excessive force on the nozzle peripheral area.
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 approach effectively reduces nozzle surface deterioration by catching foreign objects and inorganic substances, maintaining print quality by applying appropriate pressure and using a common absorption member efficiently across both contacts.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption member that is brought into contact with the nozzle surface and is able to absorb liquid that is on the nozzle surface
Implementation Method 2
an absorption member that is brought into contact with the nozzle surface and is able to absorb liquid that is on the nozzle surface
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus performs first contact of an absorption member with a nozzle surface in which nozzles for liquid ejection are arranged, and performs second contact of the absorption member with the nozzle surface after the first contact. Pressure applied to, of the nozzle surface, a nozzle neighborhood area (a nozzle peripheral area) including the nozzles due to contact of the absorption member in the first contact is lower than pressure applied to the nozzle neighborhood area (a nozzle peripheral area) due to contact of the absorption member in the second contact.