Inkjet Head Cleaning via Rotating Pressurizer Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nozzle clogging due to ink residue in the inkjet process for display device manufacturing leads to frequent cleaning needs, affecting the lifespan of the head in inkjet printers.
Innovation Solution
A head cleaning method involving a head cleaner with an absorbent and pressurizer that rotates at various angles to continuously change the position vulnerable to peeling of the coating film on the nozzle surface, combined with a winder for absorbent replacement, to extend the lifespan of the head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the head is cleaned frequently to prevent nozzle clogging, then the reliability of the inkjet process is improved, but the lifespan of the head is reduced due to repeated cleaning operations causing coating film peeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by rotating the pressurizer to different angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) during cleaning operations. This dynamic positioning changes the wiping direction relative to the coating film orientation, reducing cumulative stress on any single area and preventing coating film peeling while maintaining effective nozzle cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between different cleaning angles in a cyclic manner. The pressurizer rotates to predefined angular positions and performs cleaning at each position before moving to the next, distributing the mechanical stress of cleaning across multiple orientations and extending head lifespan
2Productivity
If a simple one-step inkjet process is used, then the manufacturing cost and time are reduced, but nozzle clogging occurs due to ink residue requiring periodic cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated cleaning system where the pressurizer automatically rotates to different angles and performs cleaning operations without manual intervention. The system self-regulates the cleaning process, maintaining nozzle functionality throughout production runs and eliminating the need to stop the simplified inkjet process for manual maintenance
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 method effectively extends the lifespan of the head by preventing nozzle clogging and maintaining the integrity of the coating film, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the inkjet process.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a nozzle surface of a head in which a plurality of nozzle holes is defined with an absorbent disposed on a pressurizer
Implementation Method 2
an absorbent disposed on a pressurizer, starting a wiping operation
Implementation Method 3
an absorbent disposed on a pressurizer
Data Source
AI summary
A head cleaning method includes contacting a nozzle surface of a head in which nozzle holes are defined with an absorbent on a pressurizer, starting a wiping operation at a first edge portion of the head closest to the pressurizer at a first position, and ending the wiping operation at a second edge portion of the head furthest away from the pressurizer at the first position, positioning the pressurizer at a second position to define a first angle between a first imaginary line parallel to a longitudinal direction of the head and a second imaginary line parallel to a longitudinal direction of the pressurizer, and starting the wiping operation at a third edge portion of the head closest to the pressurizer at the second position, and ending the wiping operation at a fourth edge portion of the head furthest away from the pressurizer at the second position.