Eccentric Vibrator for Print Substance Redistribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Print substance in containers can dry out and harden, causing blockages in microscopic passageways and affecting print quality, as existing methods like capping printheads are not always effective, especially during power losses or improper shutdowns, leading to reduced print quality or complete failure.

Innovation Solution

A vibrator system with an eccentrically loaded weight is activated via an electromechanical switch to redistribute print substance from inaccessible areas to development areas within the print substance container, ensuring a steady flow and maintaining print quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If print substance container is left stationary during power loss or improper shutdown, then power loss protection is provided, but print substance dries and hardens causing blockages in microscopic passageways

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint qualityVSAvoiddrying and hardening of print substance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration through an eccentrically loaded motor that vibrates the print substance container. This vibration redistributes print substance from inaccessible areas to development areas, preventing drying and hardening in microscopic passageways while maintaining reliable print quality during power loss or improper shutdown conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Productivity

If user manually shakes print substance container to redistribute print substance, then print substance flow is improved, but user exposure to print substance and potential contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint substance flowVSAvoiduser exposure and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by incorporating an automated vibration system within the print substance container that redistributes print substance without requiring user intervention. The eccentrically loaded motor automatically vibrates the container to maintain print substance flow, eliminating the need for manual shaking and associated user exposure risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If rubber cap is placed over printhead to prevent drying, then print substance drying is prevented, but abrupt power losses or unplugging can leave printhead uncapped causing drying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinthead protectionVSAvoidprotection during power loss scenarios

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by continuously vibrating the print substance container to maintain print substance accessibility before drying can occur. This proactive vibration ensures print substance remains in development areas and prevents the need for capping mechanisms, providing reliable protection during abrupt power losses or unplugging scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The vibrator system effectively redistributes print substance, preventing drying and hardening, maintaining print quality and extending the life of the print system by ensuring continuous ink flow and preventing contamination during user intervention.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11453219B2Print substance container vibration

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

Example implementations relate to print substance container vibration. A vibrator for a print system may comprise a motor, and a vibration shaft coupled to the motor to cause vibration to provide redistribution of print substance of a print substance container. The vibration may be caused in response to the rotation of an eccentrically loaded weight about a central axis of the vibrator.