Flexible Partition Wall Cap Device for Nozzle Moisture Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a consistent moisture level within the nozzle cap, leading to insufficient moisturizing effects due to environmental pressure changes and foreign matter adhesion, which can result in nozzle clogging and reduced printing quality.

Innovation Solution

A cap device is designed to form a space around the nozzle opening, utilizing a capillary member with a flexible partition wall that allows moisturizing fluid to permeate and maintain humidity, while a cap cover prevents foreign matter adhesion and reduces pressure fluctuations, ensuring effective moisture retention and nozzle protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the moisturizing cap is sealed to maintain moisture, then moisture retention is improved, but pressure changes due to environmental factors cause insufficient moisturizing effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture retentionVSAvoidpressure changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The cap device employs a flexible partition wall that can elastically deform in response to pressure changes. This flexible structure allows the cap to maintain its sealing function while accommodating environmental pressure variations, preventing moisture loss without being compromised by pressure fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state of the partition wall from rigid to flexible, allowing it to dynamically adjust its properties based on environmental conditions. This parameter change enables the partition wall to maintain sealing effectiveness across varying pressure conditions while still permitting moisture transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the moisturizing cap is sealed to prevent foreign matter adhesion, then cleanliness is improved, but sufficient moisturizing effect cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter adhesionVSAvoidmoisturizing effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The partition wall is designed with porous or permeable characteristics that allow moisture to pass through while blocking larger foreign particles. This selective permeability enables the cap to remain sealed against contaminants while still delivering the necessary moisturizing effect to the nozzle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible partition wall creates a barrier that prevents foreign matter adhesion while maintaining moisture transfer capability. The flexibility allows the structure to conform to pressure changes without compromising its protective function or moisture delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a rigid seal is used to prevent foreign matter, then protection is improved, but pressure fluctuations cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter adhesionVSAvoidpressure stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible partition wall serves as a dynamic barrier that maintains protection against foreign matter while adapting to pressure fluctuations. Unlike rigid seals, this flexible structure can expand and contract with environmental pressure changes without compromising its protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Stress or pressure

If the cap is kept separate from the head to avoid pressure changes, then pressure stability is improved, but foreign matter adheres to the nozzle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure stabilityVSAvoidforeign matter adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible partition wall enables the cap to remain in contact with the nozzle without transmitting harmful pressure fluctuations. It creates a protective interface that blocks foreign matter adhesion while allowing the cap to move independently enough to avoid pressure-related damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 cap device effectively maintains nozzle moisture, prevents clogging, and ensures consistent printing quality by suppressing pressure fluctuations and foreign matter adhesion, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the liquid ejecting apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

the partition wall 853 has gas permeability, in particular, water vapor permeability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

a capillary member 824, which transports the moisturizing liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP3446880B1Cap device and liquid ejecting apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.10.26 SEIKO EPSON CORP

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AI summary

Provided is a cap device that is configured to form a space surrounding an opening of a nozzle of a liquid ejecting head when the cap device is in contact with the liquid ejecting head including the nozzle for ejecting a liquid, and includes a moisturizing chamber to which a moisturizing fluid for moisturizing the above space is supplied, and a partition wall having gas permeability and configured to partition the space and the moisturizing chamber, where part of the partition wall is formed of a flexible portion.