Inkjet Printer Cleaning Unit Gravity Liquid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers with multiple cleaning liquid tanks at different vertical positions face complex flow path configurations due to varying liquid surface heights, requiring independent tanks and branching supply paths, which complicates the cleaning liquid supply system.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet printer configures the second cleaning liquid tank lower than the first, allowing gravity-driven supply from the first tank, simplifying the cleaning liquid flow path and enabling independent or integrated tank positioning and movement for optimized cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cleaning liquid tanks are provided at different vertical positions, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the flow path configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the equipotentiality principle by positioning the second cleaning liquid tank lower than the first tank, creating a gravitational potential difference that enables automatic liquid flow from the first tank to the second tank. This eliminates the need for complex pumping systems and branching supply paths, as the cleaning liquid naturally flows downward due to gravity, thereby simplifying the overall flow path configuration while maintaining multiple cleaning zones at different vertical positions
2Reliability
If cleaning liquid tanks are positioned at different vertical heights, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but independent tank configuration becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cleaning system into multiple independent tanks positioned at different vertical levels, with each tank serving a specific cleaning function. The first tank is positioned higher for initial cleaning, while the second tank is positioned lower for subsequent cleaning stages. This segmented approach allows each tank to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a simplified gravitational flow path between them
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the second cleaning liquid tank is positioned within the vertical space defined by the first tank's position. The tanks are arranged in a nested vertical arrangement where the lower tank is contained within the vertical envelope of the upper tank's positioning system, allowing both tanks to coexist in a compact configuration while maintaining their independent functions and the gravitational flow path between them
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 configuration simplifies the cleaning liquid flow path, optimizes tank positions, and allows easy adjustment of the cleaning unit components relative to the transporting belt, enhancing the printer's operational efficiency and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaning liquid discharged from the first cleaning liquid tank is supplied to the second cleaning liquid tank
Data Source
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AI summary
An inkjet printer includes an endless transporting belt that transports a medium in a transport direction by supporting the medium and rotating, an ejecting unit that ejects ink onto the medium supported by the transporting belt, and a cleaning unit including a first brush for cleaning the transporting belt, a first cleaning liquid tank that stores cleaning liquid with which the first brush is impregnated, a second brush for cleaning the transporting belt, and a second cleaning liquid tank that stores the cleaning liquid with which the second brush is impregnated. The second cleaning liquid tank is disposed at a position lower than the first cleaning liquid tank in the vertical direction, and the cleaning unit is configured so that the cleaning liquid discharged from the first cleaning liquid tank is supplied to the second cleaning liquid tank.