Inkjet Head Wiper Mounting to Prevent Blade Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face issues with nozzle clogging due to ink viscosity increase during non-use periods, leading to ink residue on the nozzle surface that can cause defects during printing, and existing blade cleaning mechanisms are prone to wear and detachment issues.
Innovation Solution
A maintenance device with a blade unit detachably attached to a support, featuring a through-hole and projection portion for stable engagement, and a blade sliding device that facilitates easy attachment and detachment while preventing the blade unit from falling or floating, ensuring effective ink removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the blade unit is engaged with a projection provided on the support to facilitate attachment and detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the blade unit tends to fall off or float
Solution Approach 1:
The projection is designed with an inclined surface rather than a symmetric vertical structure. The inclination angle creates an asymmetric geometry where the blade unit can be easily inserted but is prevented from detaching due to the directional nature of the inclined surface, which converts upward motion into lateral displacement that blocks retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a one-dimensional vertical engagement (up/down movement) to a two-dimensional engagement mechanism involving both vertical and lateral dimensions. The inclined surface introduces a lateral component to the engagement, creating a path-dependent attachment/detachment process that prevents accidental detachment while maintaining ease of intentional attachment.
2Manufacturing precision
If the blade is used to clean the nozzle surface by sliding, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the blade becomes worn or deformed during repeated cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced. The blade unit is made inexpensive through simple construction and readily available materials, allowing periodic replacement rather than long-term use. This approach prioritizes cleaning effectiveness over blade durability, accepting that the blade will wear but replacing it is more cost-effective than designing for extended blade life.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly is segmented into a replaceable blade component and a reusable support structure. The blade can be independently replaced without replacing the entire cleaning mechanism, allowing users to maintain high cleaning performance by periodically swapping blades while preserving the investment in the support and drive mechanisms.
3Ease of repair
If the blade unit is made detachable for easy replacement, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex engagement mechanism is localized to only the necessary components (projection on support, corresponding recess in blade unit) rather than affecting the entire assembly. The majority of the blade unit and support structure remain simple, with complexity concentrated only in the attachment interface where it is functionally required.
Data Source
AI summary
A maintenance device includes a blade unit, a support, and a blade sliding device. The blade unit includes a blade in contact with a nozzle surface of an inkjet head. To the support, the blade unit is detachably attached. The blade sliding device slides the support to a predetermined moving direction along the nozzle surface. The blade unit has a through-hole penetrating in an upper-and-lower direction. The support has a projection portion which is engaged with the through-hole. The projection portion protrudes upward and is inclined with respect to a vertical direction.