Flexible Nozzle Cleaning Pad for Low-Consumption Inkjet Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet recording apparatuses using water-based ink face issues with ink viscosity increase leading to ejection failure and clogging due to contamination of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank, necessitating frequent replacement and high consumption.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning liquid penetration device with an impregnated member and a flexible holding member that contacts the nozzle surface, allowing efficient penetration of cleaning liquid to dissolve deposits without contaminating the entire tank.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid tank for cleaning, then the ink deposits on the nozzle surface are effectively removed, but the cleaning liquid becomes contaminated and requires frequent replacement, leading to high consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning liquid consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is divided into two separate components: a cleaning liquid tank containing fresh cleaning liquid and a separate impregnated member that is dipped into the tank to absorb cleaning liquid. This segmentation allows the cleaning liquid to be used repeatedly without direct contact with the nozzle surface, reducing contamination and consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An impregnated member acts as an intermediary between the cleaning liquid tank and the nozzle surface. The impregnated member absorbs cleaning liquid from the tank and transfers it to the nozzle surface for cleaning, preventing direct immersion of the nozzle in the cleaning liquid and thus reducing contamination of the cleaning liquid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the cleaning liquid tank is frequently emptied and refilled to maintain cleaning effectiveness, then the cleaning quality is maintained, but the operation time is increased and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning qualityVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The impregnated member is pre-saturated with cleaning liquid before being applied to the nozzle surface. This preliminary action ensures that the cleaning liquid is already in the correct state for effective cleaning, eliminating the need for frequent tank emptying and refilling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The impregnated member automatically releases cleaning liquid to the nozzle surface through capillary action and contact, providing self-regulating cleaning without requiring external intervention to monitor or replenish the cleaning liquid supply, thus reducing operational time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Shape

If a rigid structure is used to hold the impregnated member, then the planar shape is maintained, but the contact with the curved nozzle surface is insufficient, reducing cleaning effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplanar shape maintenanceVSAvoidcontact with nozzle surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding member is designed with flexible properties that allow it to conform to the curved surface of the nozzle while maintaining the planar shape of the impregnated member. This flexibility enables complete contact between the impregnated member and the nozzle surface, ensuring effective cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The holding member's flexibility parameter is specifically optimized to balance maintaining the planar shape of the impregnated member with the ability to conform to the nozzle surface curvature, achieving both shape maintenance and effective contact through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Reduces cleaning liquid consumption and prevents nozzle clogging by effectively dissolving ink deposits, maintaining ink quality and preventing ejection failures.

Implementation Method 1

an impregnated member and a holding member. The impregnated member is impregnated with a cleaning liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a cleaning liquid tank filled with cleaning liquid for dissolving deposits adhering to a functional liquid discharge port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

The holding member is more flexible than the nozzle surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260027829A1Cleaning liquid penetration device and inkjet recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A cleaning liquid penetration device includes an impregnated member and a holding member. The impregnated member is impregnated with a cleaning liquid. The holding member holds the impregnated member in a planar shape by a planer surface facing a nozzle surface of an inkjet head, and brings the planar-held portion of the impregnated member into contact with the nozzle surface. The holding member is more flexible than the nozzle surface.