Ink Absorption Pad Cleaning Mechanism for Printers
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printer maintenance devices face contamination and clogging issues due to pollution on the contact surfaces of ink stacks, which affect printing quality.
Innovation Solution
An ink cartridge clean device with an ink absorption pad clean element that adjusts to rise or descend, rotates, or applies pressure to clean the ink absorption pads, preventing residual ink from contaminating or blocking the ink cartridges, and enhancing printing quality through a scraper mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ink absorption pad is not cleaned, then the structure remains simple, but residual ink contaminates or blocks the ink cartridge, decreasing printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The ink cartridge maintenance device is divided into functional modules: ink stack, ink absorption pad, and ink absorption pad clean element. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the cleaning function to be added without redesigning the entire system. The clean element with curved rods and cleaning members can be independently installed and removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink absorption pad acts as an intermediary between the ink cartridge and the cleaning device. The clean element cleans the ink absorption pad, which in turn prevents contamination of the ink cartridge. This intermediary approach allows indirect cleaning of the ink cartridge through the pad.
2Ease of operation
If the ink absorption pad clean element is added, then the cleaning function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clean element incorporates curved rods that can flex and adapt to the shape of the ink absorption pad. The cleaning members are positioned to contact the pad surface dynamically during the cleaning process, allowing effective cleaning without rigid complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The clean element is designed to be manually operable, allowing users to perform cleaning without requiring complex automated mechanisms. The curved rods and cleaning members work together to automatically conform to the pad shape during manual operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the contact surfaces are not cleaned, then the device structure remains simple, but pollution from siphon phenomenon and flash spraying causes contamination and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning members are positioned to contact the ink absorption pad before the pad comes into contact with the ink cartridge. This preliminary cleaning action removes pollution from the pad surface, preventing subsequent contamination of the cartridge during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism uses the presence of pollution on the ink absorption pad as an indicator that cleaning is needed. The curved rods and cleaning members are designed to specifically target and remove the types of pollution generated by siphon phenomenon and flash spraying, converting the harmful pollution into removable debris.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink cartridge clean device including a housing, a work platform, at least one ink stack and at least one ink absorption pad clean element. The housing has a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to each other, and an accommodation groove is defined by the housing. The work platform is disposed in the accommodation groove and has two lateral surfaces opposite to each other, and each lateral surface has at least one stopper. The ink stack is disposed on the work platform, and has an ink absorption pad. The ink absorption pad clean element is rotatably connected with the first sidewall and the second sidewall. When the work platform is adjusted from a first position to a second position, the ink absorption pad clean element is rotated, so that the corresponding ink absorption pad is cleaned, thereby preventing the residual ink from contaminating or blocking the ink cartridge.