Dummy Head for Liquid Circulation in Ejecting Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses cannot circulate liquid when the attachable/detachable liquid ejecting head is detached, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A dummy head is introduced that can be attached to the carriage in place of the liquid ejecting head, enabling liquid circulation through multiple routes, including a gas-liquid separating unit, to maintain fluid circulation even when the liquid ejecting head is detached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If an attachable/detachable liquid ejecting head is used, then the liquid ejecting head can be replaced or maintained easily, but the liquid circulation cannot be maintained when the head is detached
Solution Approach 1:
A dummy head is introduced as an intermediary component that can be attached to the carriage when the liquid ejecting head is detached. The dummy head includes connection ports that maintain the liquid circulation path, allowing the liquid to continue circulating through the circulation route even when no ejecting head is installed. This resolves the contradiction by providing a mediator that preserves circulation functionality during head replacement or maintenance periods.
2Ease of repair
If the liquid ejecting head is detached for maintenance or replacement, then the ease of repair is improved, but the liquid circulation route becomes interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy head is designed with multi-functionality: it can be attached to the carriage both when the liquid ejecting head needs replacement (maintenance mode) and when the system needs to maintain circulation without an ejecting head installed. The dummy head includes universal connection ports that interface with the carriage's liquid circulation system, enabling it to serve as a circulation maintainer in addition to being a placeholder during head replacement, thus resolving the productivity loss.
3Reliability
If a circulation route is added to maintain liquid flow when the head is detached, then the liquid circulation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system is segmented into modular components: the carriage with its liquid circulation system, the liquid ejecting head with its own connection ports, and the dummy head with matching connection ports. This segmentation allows the dummy head to be a simple, standalone component that interfaces with the existing circulation system without requiring complex integration. The circulation route is divided into segments that can be independently configured, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 allows for stable and efficient liquid circulation and supply to the nozzle, reducing ink discharge and preventing sedimentation of high specific gravity components, thereby improving the overall performance of the liquid ejecting apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the third route includes a gas-liquid separating unit... the gas-liquid separating unit corresponds to a gas-liquid separating membrane or a float valve... the liquid channel can be filled with the liquid while the gas such as air is discharged via the gas-liquid separating unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A dummy head is attachable to and detachable from a carriage of a liquid ejecting apparatus including a first route having a supply port through which a liquid can be supplied to a liquid ejecting head in a state of being attached to the carriage, and a second route having a collection port through which the liquid can be collected from the liquid ejecting head. The dummy head has a third route which can be connected to the supply port and the collection port.