Integrated Head Maintenance Device for Compact Nozzle Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses with caps and wipers increase in size due to the inclusion of these components, and existing head cleaning jigs do not sufficiently maintain and recover the state of the nozzle of the liquid discharge head.
Innovation Solution
A head maintenance device comprising a housing, a wiper, and a cap that is detachably attachable to a conveyor in the liquid discharge apparatus, where the wiper wipes the nozzle face and the cap covers the nozzles, maintaining and recovering the nozzle state without increasing the apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cap and wiper are included in the liquid discharge apparatus, then the nozzle state can be maintained and recovered, but the size of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cap and wiper into a single integrated head maintenance device that can be detachably attached to the liquid discharge apparatus. This merging of functions reduces the overall apparatus size while maintaining both nozzle coverage and wiping capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper is designed to be movable relative to the cap, allowing it to contact the nozzle face for wiping while the cap covers the nozzles. This dynamic configuration enables both functions within a compact structure that doesn't permanently increase apparatus size.
2Area of stationary object
If a head cleaning jig is used instead of a platen, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the nozzle maintenance effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The head maintenance device is segmented into distinct functional components: a cap for covering nozzles and a wiper for wiping the nozzle face. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, ensuring proper nozzle maintenance while maintaining a compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper acts as an intermediary between the cap and the nozzle face, transferring wiping action to the nozzles while the cap provides coverage. This intermediary mechanism ensures effective nozzle maintenance without requiring a large platen structure.
3Reliability
If multiple cleaning components are added to recover nozzle state, then nozzle reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head maintenance device is designed as a universal unit that can be detachably attached to the liquid discharge apparatus, providing both cap and wiper functions in one device. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate components for each function.
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 device effectively maintains and recovers the nozzle state of the liquid discharge head, reducing the need for additional space and eliminating clogging, while allowing for compact design and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a wiper to wipe the nozzle face, to recover the state of the nozzle of the liquid discharge head
Implementation Method 2
a cap to cover and moisturize the nozzle face
Data Source
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AI summary
Ahead maintenance device (40) includes a housing (41), a wiper (43), and a cap (44). The housing (41) is detachably attachable to a conveyor (13) of a liquid discharge apparatus (1). The conveyor (13) conveys a medium in one direction. The wiper (43) is disposed in the housing (41) to wipe a nozzle face (20a) of a liquid discharge head (20) of the liquid discharge apparatus (1). The cap (44) is disposed in the housing (41) to cover nozzles arrayed on the nozzle face (20a) of the liquid discharge head (20) in the one direction.