Ink Jet Recording Device Ejection Port Clogging Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording devices face clogging issues at ejection ports due to pigment and resin particles, which can lead to unstable ink ejection, especially when the devices are not used for a long time or after disassembly, and existing clogging prevention methods are not effective for high concentrations of these particles.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet recording device with a liquid supply mechanism that introduces a clogging prevention liquid with a dielectric constant of 20 to 40 at 25°C into the ejection port, effectively moving dispersion particles away from the ejection port and preventing aggregation by filling the nozzle with a liquid of different physical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction treatment is performed to remove clogged components, then some clogging is addressed, but clogging caused by high concentration of pigment and resin particles cannot be sufficiently removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a clogging prevention liquid into the ejection port before clogging occurs. This liquid prevents pigment and resin particles from aggregating and clogging the ejection port in the first place, rather than attempting to remove clogging after it has occurred. The liquid is supplied in advance to maintain particle dispersion and prevent aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clogging prevention liquid acts as an intermediary substance between the pigment and resin particles. By introducing this intermediate liquid, the patent prevents direct contact and aggregation between particles. The liquid mediates the interaction between particles, maintaining them in a dispersed state and preventing clogging formation.
2Reliability
If an absorber absorbing humectant is brought into contact with ejection-port surface to prevent evaporation, then moisture evaporation is prevented, but clogging from high concentration particles cannot be sufficiently prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the liquid in the ejection port by introducing a clogging prevention liquid with specific properties (dielectric constant of 20 to 40 at 25°C). This parameter change prevents particle aggregation and clogging, rather than relying solely on moisture evaporation prevention. The specific dielectric constant range indicates optimized liquid properties for preventing particle aggregation.
3Loss of time
If ink jet recording device is left for long period without use or after disassembly, then device is idle, but clogging occurs at ejection port
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by supplying clogging prevention liquid into the ejection port before the device is left idle. This ensures that when the device is not in use, the ejection port is protected from clogging by the presence of the prevention liquid. The liquid is introduced in advance to maintain ejection port stability during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the clogging prevention liquid in the ejection port during idle periods. Rather than allowing the port to empty or dry out during non-use, the prevention liquid continues to be present, maintaining a protective environment that prevents clogging formation even when the device is not operational.
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 maintains ink ejection stability over a long period by preventing clogging caused by particle aggregation, even with high concentrations of pigment and resin particles, ensuring reliable operation of the recording device.
Implementation Method 1
the dielectric constant of the clogging prevention liquid is 20 to 40 at 25° C.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet recording device capable of maintaining an ejection stability for a long period of time. The ink jet recording device includes a recording head having an ejection port configured to eject an aqueous ink and an ejection-port surface in which the ejection port is opened and a liquid supply mechanism configured to supply an ejection-port clogging prevention liquid into the ejection port, the aqueous ink contains at least one component selected from the group consisting of pigment particles and resin particles, and the clogging prevention liquid has a dielectric constant of 20 to 40 at 25° C.