Atmospheric Venting in Inkjet Capping Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, face issues with ink solidification in nozzles due to drying, which can be exacerbated by increased temperature causing gas expansion and pressure changes, potentially damaging the ink meniscus and affecting nozzle performance.
Innovation Solution
A capping device with a moisturizing cap that includes an atmospheric communication portion to maintain atmospheric pressure, a moisturizing liquid supply unit, and a capillary member to enhance moisture retention, ensuring the liquid surface is positioned to prevent adhesion and maintain constant moisture levels, even when the temperature increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the temperature of the vicinity of the moisturizing cap is increased, then the gas in the closed space is expanded and air pressure is increased, but the meniscus of ink in the nozzle may be broken and nozzle characteristics are influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The atmospheric communication portion extracts the harmful factor (pressure buildup) from the system by opening the closed space to the atmosphere, allowing pressure equalization and preventing meniscus damage while maintaining the moisturizing function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a controlled atmospheric environment within the capping device by allowing communication with the external atmosphere, preventing pressure-related damage to the ink meniscus while maintaining optimal moisturizing conditions
2Quantity of substance
If the liquid surface of the moisturizing liquid is positioned high, then the moisturizing effect is enhanced, but the moisturizing liquid may adhere to the liquid ejecting unit due to vibration and spattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality requirements to different regions: the liquid surface is positioned high in the storage unit for adequate moisture supply, but the capping surface maintains appropriate wettability characteristics to prevent unwanted adhesion while enabling effective moisturizing
3Reliability
If the capping device forms a closed space to moisturize the liquid ejecting unit, then the moisturizing effect is improved, but the pressure changes due to temperature increase can damage the ink meniscus
Solution Approach 1:
The atmospheric communication portion removes the harmful pressure buildup by establishing a pressure equalization path to the atmosphere, maintaining the beneficial closed-space moisturizing environment while eliminating pressure-related damage risks
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
The solution effectively reduces the risk of ink meniscus damage and maintains optimal nozzle performance by maintaining atmospheric pressure and consistent moisture levels, preventing ink adhesion and clogging, and improving the moisturizing effect within the capping device.
Implementation Method 1
if the temperature of the vicinity of the moisturizing cap is increased, a gas such as an air in the closed space including the nozzle is expanded. Thus, air pressure in the closed space is increased.
Implementation Method 2
a capillary member which has a capillary force and is disposed to be extended from an inside of the connection flow channel into the space
Data Source
AI summary
A capping device includes a moisturizing cap which is brought into contact with a liquid ejecting unit configured to eject a liquid from a nozzle so as to allow forming of a space including the nozzle, a connection flow channel which is connected to the moisturizing cap, and a moisturizing liquid supply unit which is connected to the connection flow channel, includes a moisturizing liquid storage unit configured to allow storing of a moisturizing liquid, and allows a supply of the moisturizing liquid to the moisturizing liquid storage unit so as to cause a liquid surface of the moisturizing liquid in the moisturizing liquid storage unit to be a first position. The moisturizing cap includes an atmospheric communication portion configured to open the space to an atmosphere.