Liquid Seal for Inkjet Nozzles Preventing Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing cartridges face challenges with adhesive tape swelling and softening, leading to occlusion of nozzle holes due to ink contact, and existing solutions like thermoplastic adhesives and mechanical seals are either prone to clogging or inadequate for small nozzle sizes and require high temperatures, which can damage the sealing action.
Innovation Solution
A liquid is applied over nozzle holes using a bounded-region applicator and cured to a solid, ensuring compliance to deform under moderate pressure without breaking, allowing for easy removal by hand, with the liquid being uniquely designed for the nozzle material and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive tape is used to seal nozzle holes, then sealing is achieved, but the adhesive swells and softens upon ink contact, causing nozzle occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the sealing material by using a two-part system: a non-adhesive polymer layer (providing structural integrity and ink resistance) combined with a separate adhesive layer applied to the carrier film. This parameter change eliminates the swelling and softening problems of traditional pressure-sensitive adhesives while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite structure consisting of multiple layers: a carrier film, a non-adhesive polymer layer (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), and a separate adhesive layer. This composite material approach allows each layer to perform its specific function - the polymer layer resists ink and provides structure, while the adhesive layer provides sealing without direct contact with ink.
2Reliability
If thermoplastic adhesive is heated to adhere the film, then sealing is improved, but high temperatures can expand and expel ink from nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the adhesive layer to the carrier film in advance during manufacturing, allowing it to set and bond to the nozzle plate without requiring high-temperature heating during application. This preliminary action eliminates the need for thermal processing that could expand and expel ink from the nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thermal field (heating) with a chemical field approach by using a pressure-sensitive adhesive that bonds at ambient or moderate temperatures. This substitution eliminates the harmful thermal effects on ink while maintaining effective sealing through adhesive bonding.
3Manufacturing precision
If smaller nozzle holes are used for printing, then printing precision is improved, but the nozzles are more susceptible to clogging by tape material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-adhesive polymer layer specifically over the nozzle holes that has different properties than the adhesive layer. This local region (over the nozzles) is made ink-resistant and structurally stable, preventing material intrusion into the small orifices, while other areas maintain adhesive properties for sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: a carrier film, a non-adhesive polymer layer positioned over the nozzles, and an adhesive layer for bonding. This segmentation allows the polymer layer to specifically protect the small nozzle openings from clogging while the adhesive layer provides sealing elsewhere.
4Strength
If pressure sensitive adhesive is used to conform to surface, then adhesion is improved, but the adhesive mobility causes flow into nozzles under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure where the adhesive layer is separated from the polymer layer. The adhesive provides bonding strength to conform to the surface, while the non-adhesive polymer layer provides dimensional stability and prevents flow into nozzles under pressure or thermal conditions.
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 method effectively prevents nozzle clogging while allowing for easy removal of the seal, maintaining ink flow and preventing damage from high temperatures, ensuring reliable sealing and usability of inkjet cartridges.
Implementation Method 1
The uncured layer then is cured in a pattern which surrounds each nozzle. Curing may be by ultraviolet light or electron beam.
Implementation Method 2
Curing may be by ultraviolet light or electron beam.
Implementation Method 3
The liquid is chosen to cure to a solid which is sufficiently compliant that it deforms and leaves the nozzle holes under moderate pressure from a human hand or finger without breaking.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid is applied by a bounded-region applicator such as a needle applicator over nozzle holes and over at least a continuous region close to the nozzle holes. The liquid is then cured to a solid before significant flow of the liquid into the nozzle holes. The liquid is chosen to cure to a solid which is sufficiently compliant that it deforms and leaves the nozzle holes under moderate pressure from a human hand or finger without breaking. Depending upon the material in which the nozzles are formed and the size of the nozzle holes, the liquid may be uniquely designed to incorporate resilient moieties or segments to satisfy these factors.