Adjustable Inkjet Print Head and Fluid Capping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital printing machines have complex mechanisms for moving inkjet print heads and inefficient capping systems that lead to increased size and fluid loss, as well as difficulties in maintaining nozzle plate humidity during printing interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A digital printing machine design featuring an adjustable inkjet print head and a capping element that can move into a capping position to cover the nozzle plate, with a fluid-filled trough capping element that adjusts its surface area to minimize fluid loss and maintain humidity, allowing for a compact and simple mechanism with reduced lateral movement requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a complex mechanism is used to move the inkjet print head, then the print head can be positioned accurately, but the device complexity increases and the machine size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inkjet print head is made movable relative to the printing material transport device, allowing it to switch between a first position for capping and a second position for printing. This dynamic positioning eliminates the need for complex lateral movement mechanisms while maintaining positioning accuracy through controlled movement between two fixed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the print head laterally in the same plane as the printing material, the invention moves the print head in a different dimension (vertically or radially) relative to the transport device. This dimensional change simplifies the mechanism by using vertical or radial adjustment instead of complex lateral positioning systems.
2Reliability
If a traditional capping system is used, then the nozzle plate can be covered, but fluid loss increases and humidity control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The capping element is made adjustable between a capping position (covering the nozzle plate) and a passive position (away from the nozzle plate). This dynamic capping system allows the nozzle plate to be covered only when needed, reducing unnecessary fluid loss while maintaining protection when the cap is in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state or parameters of the capping element by using a fluid-filled trough that can adjust its fluid surface area. By varying the fluid surface area parameter, the system optimizes humidity control and minimizes fluid loss from the nozzle plate while maintaining effective capping.
3Reliability
If the capping element covers the nozzle plate continuously, then humidity is maintained, but fluid loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capping element operates periodically, moving into the capping position to cover the nozzle plate when humidity maintenance is needed, and moving to the passive position when printing is active. This periodic action maintains humidity when necessary while minimizing fluid loss during printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid-filled trough capping element changes its fluid surface area parameter to optimize performance. By adjusting the fluid surface area, the system maintains adequate humidity control during capping while reducing the overall fluid volume in contact with the nozzle plate, thereby minimizing fluid loss.
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 results in a compact digital printing machine with a simplified mechanism for inkjet print head adjustment and effective nozzle plate protection, reducing fluid loss and maintaining humidity, thereby enhancing printing efficiency and machine compactness.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid surface area of the fluid in the capping element is adjustable so as to minimize fluid loss from the nozzle plate
Data Source
AI summary
A digital printing machine includes a printing material transport device, an inkjet print head having a nozzle plate, and a capping element. The inkjet print head is adjustable into a first print head position relative to the capping element and the capping element is adjustable into a capping position relative to the inkjet print head. The capping element temporarily covers the nozzle plate when the inkjet print head is in the first print head position and the capping element is simultaneously in the capping position.