Ink Absorbing Sponge for Printer Wiper Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink printing devices, such as franking machines, face issues with ink residue drying on wiping elements, leading to contamination and reduced print quality or print head failure, due to insufficient cleaning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A sponge assembly is integrated into the printing device's chassis, passively absorbing ink through capillary action, allowing for independent cleaning of wiping elements without additional effort, and can be easily replaced, eliminating the need for automatic suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sponge element is used to wipe the print head, then ink residue is removed from the wiping elements, but the sponge absorbs too much ink and requires time-consuming and costly maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into separate functional components: wiping elements for removing ink from the print head and a separate sponge element for absorbing excess ink. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without interfering with the other, enabling quick replacement of the sponge without disrupting the wiping operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sponge element is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that can be quickly exchanged when saturated with ink. This eliminates the need for complex automatic suction systems and reduces maintenance time, as the sponge can be simply removed and replaced without disassembling other parts of the cleaning system.
2Reliability
If wiping elements are used to remove excess ink, then ink residue is cleaned from the print head, but dried ink residue causes contamination and reduces print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The sponge element acts as an intermediary between the wiping elements and the print head. It absorbs excess ink from the wiping elements before the wiping elements return to the print head, preventing dried ink residue from causing contamination. This intermediary component ensures that only fresh, non-dried ink is removed during each wiping cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The sponge element performs a preliminary cleaning action by absorbing excess ink from the wiping elements before they are reused on the print head. This preliminary action prevents ink residue from drying on the wiping elements, thereby eliminating the source of contamination that would otherwise affect print quality.
3Reliability
If automatic suction is used to remove excess ink, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sponge element performs self-service by passively absorbing excess ink from the wiping elements through capillary action. This eliminates the need for complex automatic suction mechanisms, as the sponge naturally draws in and holds excess ink without requiring external power sources, motors, or control systems. The cleaning process is simplified to a straightforward mechanical wiping and absorption 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 ensures wiping elements are cleaned after each use, preventing ink residue from drying and reducing maintenance costs and complexity, thereby maintaining print quality and extending print head lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The sponge body binds the ink by sucking it up due to the well-known capillary effect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Device for cleaning wiper elements of an ink printer head of an ink releasing device comprises an ink holder arranged on the frame of an ink printer on a site which a maintenance station passes. The maintenance station has wiper elements which releases ink to the holder when it passes. Preferred Features: The ink holder is arranged between the maintenance station and a printing head holder in the rear part of the ink printer.