Heated Shield Condensation Control for Inkjet Printheads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet printing systems face issues with condensation of vaporized carrier fluids, leading to electrical shorts, corrosion, and image artifacts due to the formation of condensates on printer components, particularly at printheads, which can interfere with droplet formation and flight paths, and are exacerbated by the use of multiple printheads in close proximity.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a condensation control system using shields positioned between printheads and the target area, which are actively heated to a temperature above the condensation point of the vaporized carrier fluid, creating a shielded region to prevent condensation and protect the printheads while allowing ink droplets to reach the target area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple printheads are positioned in close proximity to increase printing speed and productivity, then printing speed is improved, but condensation of vaporized carrier fluids occurs on the printheads and surrounding components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting speedVSAvoidcondensation of vaporized carrier fluids

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shield is positioned between the printhead and the target area to act as an intermediary barrier. The shield is heated to a temperature above the condensation point of the vaporized carrier fluid, preventing condensation from forming on the printhead while allowing ink droplets to pass through to the target area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature parameter of the shield is changed and maintained above the condensation point of the vaporized carrier fluid. This parameter change prevents the phase transition of the carrier fluid from vapor to liquid, thereby eliminating condensation on the printhead components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If shields are heated to prevent condensation, then condensation-related issues are prevented, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of condensation-related issuesVSAvoidenergy consumption of heating shields

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Only the shield positioned between the printhead and target area is heated, not the entire printhead assembly or surrounding components. This localized heating approach minimizes energy consumption while effectively preventing condensation where it would cause the most harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical/thermal system is replaced with a controlled heating system that uses minimal energy. The shield is heated only to the extent necessary to maintain temperature above the condensation point, avoiding excessive energy consumption while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effectively reduces the risk of condensation-related issues, preventing electrical shorts and image artifacts, and allows for individualized adjustment of shield temperatures to accommodate varying condensation temperatures across multiple printheads, ensuring reliable and high-quality printing.

Implementation Method 1

supplying an amount of energy to heat the shield to a temperature that is above a condensation point of the vaporized carrier fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

condensation of vaporized carrier fluids, leading to electrical shorts, corrosion, and image artifacts due to the formation of condensates on printer components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS8840218B2Multi-zone condensation control method

Publication Date: 2014.09.23 EASTMAN KODAK CO

AI summary

Methods for operating a printing system are provided. In one aspect, the methods can include causing an inkjet printhead that is positioned by a support structure to emit droplets of an ink including vaporizable carrier fluid toward a target area to emit droplets according to image data, using one of a plurality of shields to individually separate each one the plurality of printheads from the target area to form a shielded region between printhead and the shield and a printing region between the shield and the target area with the shield providing an opening between the shielded region and the printing region to allow the inkjet printhead to jet droplets to the target area, and supplying an energy to heat the shields to a temperature that is above a condensation temperature of the vaporized carrier fluid.