Elastic Web Pressing for Droplet Ejection Nozzle Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzle cleaning methods for droplet ejection heads face challenges in applying appropriate pressure to effectively remove dirt without damaging the nozzle surface, as high pressure can push dirt inside or damage the surface, while low pressure fails to remove dirt completely.
Innovation Solution
A head cleaning apparatus with a web that uses a combination of rigid body and elastic body pressing members to maintain a constant pressing force on the nozzle surface, where the elastic body member is designed to protrude and deform, providing a stable and adjustable pressure through its restoring force, and is supported by a rotatable structure to prevent slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure is applied during wiping, then dirt removal effectiveness is improved, but the nozzle surface may be damaged or dirt pushed inside the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from a rigid pressing member to an elastic body pressing member. The elastic material allows the pressing force to be distributed and controlled through material deformation, maintaining effective cleaning pressure while preventing excessive force that could damage the nozzle surface. The elasticity parameter enables the system to adapt to surface variations without exceeding damage thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a flexible elastic body pressing member that can conform to the nozzle surface geometry. This flexible element distributes the pressing force evenly across the contact area, preventing concentrated stress points that could cause surface damage while maintaining sufficient overall pressure for effective dirt removal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low pressure is applied during wiping, then the nozzle surface is protected from damage, but dirt remains without being wiped
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic body pressing member enables dynamic pressure adaptation - the material deforms under applied force to increase contact area and distribute pressure, ensuring sufficient cleaning force is maintained across the entire nozzle surface without exceeding damage thresholds. This parameter change from rigid to elastic allows the system to achieve both protection and effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If a rigid body pressing member is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the pressing force cannot be uniformly distributed and adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic body pressing member inherently distributes pressing force uniformly through its material properties and deformation characteristics. The flexibility of the elastic body allows it to conform to the nozzle surface and distribute load evenly, achieving manufacturing precision in force distribution without adding mechanical complexity for adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from a rigid body to an elastic body, the pressing mechanism gains the ability to automatically adjust and distribute force uniformly through material deformation. This parameter change eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while achieving the desired force uniformity across the contact surface.
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 effective cleaning of the nozzle surface with appropriate pressure, preventing damage and ensuring thorough dirt removal, while the adjustable nature of the elastic member allows for precise control of the cleaning force.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body pressing member (150XA) provided between the pair of rigid body pressing members (150XB) and provided to further protrude toward a nozzle surface side than the pair of rigid body pressing members (150XB), the elastic body pressing member (150XA) being configured to press a center portion of the web (W) in the width direction to the nozzle surface (32X)
Data Source
AI summary
A head cleaning apparatus is configured to move relatively along a nozzle surface of a droplet ejection head to clean the nozzle surface. The head cleaning apparatus includes: a web configured to wipe the nozzle surface; a web driving unit configured to cause the web to travel; a pair of rigid body pressing members configured to press both end portions of the web in a width direction to the nozzle surface; an elastic body pressing member provided between the pair of rigid body pressing members and provided to further protrude to a nozzle surface side than the pair of rigid body pressing members, the elastic body pressing member being configured to press a center portion of the web in the width direction to the nozzle surface; and a support member configured to support the pair of rigid body pressing members and the elastic body pressing member.