Continuous Ink Jet Print Head Automated Cleaning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous stream ink jet print heads face issues with manual cleaning inefficiencies, contamination ingress, component alignment requirements, and physical size limitations, leading to unreliable performance and difficulty in stacking multiple print heads.
Innovation Solution
A compact, automated cleaning system with a fluid manifold structure that includes a deflatable member for sealing the print head during shutdown, simultaneous solvent supply to electrodes and nozzle reverse flushing, and a mechanism for automatic alignment, allowing for quick and solvent-efficient cleaning without operator skill requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed, then cleaning can be carried out, but it requires operator skill, takes time, and leads to inadequate cleaning and equipment unreliability
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system automatically performs cleaning operations without requiring manual intervention. The system includes automated solvent delivery, heating, and vacuum mechanisms that clean the print head components themselves, eliminating the need for operator skill and manual cleaning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical cleaning process is replaced with an automated system using solvent delivery mechanisms, heating elements, and vacuum systems. This substitution transforms the cleaning process from a manual mechanical operation to an automated chemical-thermal-vacuum process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the print head is enclosed, then contamination ingress is prevented, but cleaning access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The print head enclosure is segmented with dedicated access ports that allow cleaning solvent and vacuum to be introduced into specific compartments. The enclosure remains sealed during operation to prevent contamination, but can be accessed through controlled ports during cleaning cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
Cleaning solvent acts as an intermediary medium that can be introduced through sealed ports to clean internal components without requiring opening the enclosure. The solvent delivers cleaning action internally while the enclosure remains closed to prevent contamination.
3Ease of operation
If multiple exit ports are provided for cleaning, then cleaning access is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system uses a universal solvent delivery mechanism that can reach multiple compartments through a single or minimal number of ports. The solvent distribution system is designed to flow through multiple chambers sequentially, providing comprehensive cleaning without requiring separate access ports for each compartment.
4Reliability
If the print head is left wet after cleaning, then cleaning is thorough, but restart after long term shutdown is compromised due to ink drying and crust formation
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process includes periodic cycles of solvent application followed by heating and vacuum removal. This periodic action ensures thorough cleaning while systematically removing all solvent and moisture, preventing crust formation during storage and ensuring reliable restart.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system uses phase transitions of the cleaning solvent - introducing it as liquid, heating it to vapor phase for evaporation, and using vacuum to remove vapor. This complete phase transition cycle ensures thorough cleaning while eliminating all residual solvent that could cause crust formation.
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
Enables fast, reliable startup, minimizes solvent use, prevents contamination ingress, and allows for compact, stackable print heads with improved reliability and reduced manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
ink solvent can be supplied to the print head so as to travel simultaneously (i) to the charging and deflection electrodes to dissolve ink deposits on these electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a deflatable member positioned adjacent the opening which in its relaxed non-deflated state covers the opening so as to close the opening
Data Source
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AI summary
A continuous stream ink jet print head comprising a droplet generator (1) for generating a continuous stream of ink droplets; a charging electrode (40) for selectively charging the ink droplets; deflection electrodes (4) for deflecting the charged ink droplets; and a catcher (7) for collecting uncharged ink droplets. An inlet (16) to the print head is provided by means of which ink solvent can be supplied to the print head so as to travel simultaneously (i) to the charging and deflection electrodes to dissolve ink deposits on these electrodes, and (ii) via the nozzle (18) of the droplet generator to the interior of the generator to reverse flush the nozzle.