Inkjet Device Surface Tension Seal for Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet devices face challenges in preventing ink leakage during transportation and usage due to inadequate sealing between the mask plate and the inkjet head, leading to ink intrusion into the device, especially under mechanical stress and gravity-induced ink flow.
Innovation Solution
A band-like seal body made of elastic fluorine rubber is inserted into a large gap between the side covers and the mask plate, forming a smaller air gap that utilizes surface tension to create a seal when ink leaks, ensuring the seal is effective against gravity-induced ink intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal structure filling the gap with seal material or inserting a gasket is adopted, then ink leakage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes ink itself to form a surface tension seal at the mask plate periphery, eliminating the need for separate seal materials or gaskets. The ink automatically creates the sealing effect through its own surface tension properties when it reaches the gap between the mask plate and inkjet head
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes traditional seal structures (gaskets, seal materials) from the system, replacing them with a simpler surface tension-based sealing mechanism that uses only the ink already present in the system
2Reliability
If the gap between mask plate and inkjet head is reduced, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sealing mechanism from relying on mechanical gap closure to utilizing surface tension parameters of the ink. By controlling the ink's surface tension properties and the gap geometry, effective sealing is achieved without requiring extremely tight mechanical tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sealing approach (physical closure of gaps through precision machining) with a physical-chemical approach using surface tension forces. This substitution allows for larger, more tolerable gaps while maintaining sealing effectiveness
3Reliability
If traditional seal structures are used, then sealing is provided, but the seal strength is insufficient against gravity-induced ink flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of gravity-induced ink flow into a beneficial sealing mechanism. Instead of trying to prevent ink from flowing down, the design allows ink to reach the mask plate periphery where it forms a surface tension seal that actually strengthens the sealing effect against further intrusion
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 surface tension seal effectively prevents ink from entering the inkjet device during transportation and usage, maintaining the adjusted distance between components and ensuring reliable operation by forming a stronger seal than traditional surface tension seals.
Implementation Method 1
a seal body for forming a surface tension seal by fluid in a second gap arranged in the first gap to form a gap narrower than the first gap
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an inkjet device includes: an inkjet head; an armor section configured to surround the periphery of the inkjet head; a first gap formed over the entire periphery in the peripheral direction in a plurality of the armor sections; and a seal body for forming a surface tension seal by fluid in a second gap arranged in the first gap to form a gap narrower than the first gap.