Dual Wiping Mechanism for Inkjet Head Side Surface Contamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet printers face contamination issues due to foreign materials accumulating on the side surfaces of the head, leading to contamination of the recording medium and requiring frequent replacement of absorbent members that fail to absorb ink effectively.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejecting apparatus with a first wiping member for cleaning the nozzle opening surface and a second wiping member for removing foreign materials from the side surfaces, utilizing a groove or brush shape to facilitate capillary action for efficient ink removal without direct contact, thereby preventing medium contamination and extending the durability of the wiping members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an absorbent member is provided on the side surface of the head to absorb ink, then ink absorption is improved, but the absorbent member requires frequent replacement when it can no longer absorb ink completely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink absorption capabilityVSAvoidreplacement time and labor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful function of the absorbent member by replacing it with a wiping member that removes ink through mechanical wiping action rather than absorption. The wiping member contacts the side surface to wipe off ink and foreign materials, eliminating the need for frequent replacement associated with absorbent members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical absorption mechanism with a mechanical wiping mechanism. Instead of relying on the absorbent properties of materials that saturate and require replacement, the invention uses a wiping member that mechanically removes ink through friction and contact, providing a more sustainable solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a wiper performs wiping process on the nozzle opening surface, then foreign materials are removed from the nozzle, but foreign materials accumulate on the side surface at the wiping-end position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidforeign material accumulation on side surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful accumulation of foreign materials on the side surface into a beneficial situation by introducing a second wiping member specifically positioned to address this issue. The side surface wiping function transforms the previously harmful ink accumulation into a controlled cleaning process, where the accumulated materials are systematically removed rather than allowed to contaminate the recording medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the cleaning function from the primary nozzle opening surface to the previously neglected side surface dimension. By adding a wiping member that contacts the side surface, the invention addresses contamination in this additional dimension, preventing foreign materials from reaching the recording medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If an absorbent member is used to absorb ink on the side surface, then ink removal is improved, but the recording medium is contaminated when the absorbent member cannot completely absorb the ink

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink removal capabilityVSAvoidrecording medium contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic absorbent member that causes contamination when saturated. Instead, it introduces a wiping member that mechanically removes ink through contact and friction, ensuring that ink is consistently removed without the risk of saturation and subsequent contamination of the recording medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If a wiping member contacts the side surface to remove foreign materials, then side surface cleaning is improved, but the wiping member durability decreases due to direct contact with ink

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside surface cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidwiping member lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a wiping member with a flexible wiping portion that can be configured to contact the side surface at a controlled distance. This flexible structure allows the wiping member to effectively clean the side surface while minimizing excessive contact that would accelerate wear and reduce durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Effectively suppresses recording medium contamination by removing foreign materials from both nozzle and side surfaces, improving the durability of wiping members and reducing maintenance costs by preventing ink accumulation and extending the lifespan of absorbent components.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a groove or brush shape to facilitate capillary action for efficient ink removal without direct contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS9132641B2Liquid ejecting apparatus and method of cleaning head

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a head in which a nozzle ejecting liquid onto a recording medium is provided; a first wiping member which performs a first wiping process of wiping off foreign materials adhered to a nozzle opening surface of the head by moving a relative position thereof with respect to the head to the other side from one side in a predetermined direction, in a state of being in contact with the nozzle opening surface; and a second wiping member which performs a second wiping process of removing the foreign materials adhered to a side surface of the head at the other side in the predetermined direction.