Integrated Capping Device for Compact Liquid Ejecting Apparatus

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses require a significant space for capping mechanisms due to the arrangement of caps for maintenance, leading to larger device sizes and inefficiencies in nozzle clogging prevention and humidification.

Innovation Solution

A capping device with a cap featuring a recess, a humidifying chamber, and a gas-permeable partition wall that forms a space around the nozzle, allowing for efficient humidification and clogging prevention without the need for separate cap arrangements, enabling compact design and effective maintenance operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate caps for capping mechanism and capping device are arranged side by side in the maintenance region, then nozzle clogging prevention and humidification functions are provided, but the device size becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle clogging preventionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the capping mechanism cap and the capping device cap into a single integrated cap structure. The cap includes both a recess for the capping mechanism and a humidifying chamber for the capping device, merging two previously separate components into one unified component that performs both functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated cap serves multiple functions: it provides capping protection through the recess, enables humidification through the humidifying chamber, and facilitates liquid discharge through the hole. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall device complexity and size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate caps for capping mechanism and capping device are arranged side by side in the maintenance region, then nozzle humidification function is provided, but the device size becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle humidificationVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the capping mechanism cap and the capping device cap into a single integrated cap structure. The cap includes both a recess for the capping mechanism and a humidifying chamber for the capping device, merging two previously separate components into one unified component that performs both functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The humidifying chamber is nested within the cap structure, utilizing the internal space of the cap for humidification functionality. This nesting approach allows the humidifying chamber to be accommodated within the overall cap volume rather than requiring additional external space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If separate caps for capping mechanism and capping device are arranged side by side in the maintenance region, then maintenance functions are provided, but space for arranging both caps is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance operationVSAvoidmaintenance region space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the capping mechanism cap and the capping device cap into a single integrated cap structure. The cap includes both a recess for the capping mechanism and a humidifying chamber for the capping device, merging two previously separate components into one unified component that performs both functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for compact device design while effectively preventing nozzle clogging and drying, enhancing maintenance efficiency and reducing the device's overall size.

Implementation Method 1

a partition wall, having gas permeability, that partitions the recess and the humidifying chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas permeability: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS20250010608A1Capping device and liquid ejecting apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A capping device configured to form a space surrounding an opening of a nozzle by coming into contact with a liquid ejecting head having the nozzle for ejecting a liquid, includes a unit cap, which is an example of a cap, including a recess that forms the space, a humidifying chamber that has an inlet through which a humidifying fluid for humidifying the space flows in and an outlet through which the humidifying fluid flows out, and a first moisture permeable membrane, which is an example of a partition wall, having gas permeability, that partitions the recess and the humidifying chamber. The recess has a discharge hole, which is an example of a hole for discharging the liquid discharged from the liquid ejecting head, which is the example of the cap.