Inkjet Print Head Solvent Circulation for Nozzle Clogging Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods to prevent nozzle clogging in inkjet printing devices result in waste of printing material, as they require continuous inkjet operation even when the device is not in use.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet printing device with a print head, a solvent container, and a valve system that allows solvent to flow through the print head when the device is not in use to clean the nozzle, preventing clogging and conserving material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous inkjet is performed to prevent nozzle clogging during non-working state, then nozzle clogging is prevented, but printing material is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by introducing solvent through the first pipeline before the printing material can evaporate and clog the nozzle during non-working state. The first valve is opened in advance to allow solvent flow, preventing the harmful effect of clogging before it occurs, while avoiding continuous printing material jetting.
Solution Approach 2:
A solvent is introduced as an intermediary substance to clean the nozzle and prevent clogging. The solvent acts as a mediator between the printing material and the nozzle, dissolving or removing residual printing material that would otherwise dry and block the nozzle, thereby preventing clogging without requiring continuous printing material jetting.
2Loss of substance
If solvent cleaning is implemented during non-working state, then nozzle clogging is prevented and material waste is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system is segmented into two independent pathways: a first pipeline with a first valve for solvent delivery, and a second pipeline with a second valve for printing material delivery. This segmentation allows independent control of solvent and printing material flow, enabling the system to switch between cleaning mode (solvent only) and printing mode (printing material only), thereby reducing material waste while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes by controlling the state of the first and second valves. During non-working state, the first valve is opened and the second valve is closed to allow solvent cleaning. During working state, the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened for printing material delivery. This dynamic valve control optimizes material usage while preventing clogging.
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 solution effectively prevents nozzle clogging and reduces material waste by allowing solvent to clean the print head during non-operational periods, enhancing the device's utilization rate and resource efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first container (10) configured to store a solvent (101) for cleaning the print head (31)... using solvent to clean the nozzle of the print head can prevent the nozzle of the print head from clogging
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides an inkjet printing device, which includes a print head, a first container, a first pipeline, and a first valve. The print head is configured to discharge printing material. The first container is configured to store a solvent for cleaning the print head. An input end of the first pipeline is in communication with the first container, and an output end of the first pipeline is in communication with the print head. The first valve is provided on the first pipeline.