Integrated Maintenance Cap for Liquid Discharge Heads

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid discharge apparatus maintenance devices increase mechanical complexity and cost due to the number of components required.

Innovation Solution

A simplified maintenance device configuration with a suction cap and moisturizing cap integrated to reduce the number of components and mechanical complexity, utilizing a single elevator mechanism to raise and lower both caps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate suction cam and moisture-retention cam mechanisms are used to control suction cap and moisturizing cap movements, then the caps can perform their functions independently, but the number of components and mechanical complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional independence of capsVSAvoidnumber of components and mechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the suction cap and moisturizing cap into a single integrated cap structure. The cap can be positioned in different states (first position for suction, second position for moisture retention) controlled by a single cam mechanism rather than requiring separate cams for each function. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining functional independence through positional control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single cam mechanism is designed to control the cap for multiple functions - both suction operation and moisture retention operation. The cam's profile is configured to raise the cap to the first position for suction and to the second position for moisture retention, making the mechanism universal and eliminating the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple dedicated mechanisms are provided for different cap operations, then each operation can be precisely controlled, but the device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecise control of cap operationsVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple dedicated control mechanisms into a single cam mechanism that performs both suction control and moisture retention control. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant components while maintaining precise operational control through the cam's specifically designed profile that guides the cap to appropriate positions for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single cam mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to precisely control both suction and moisture retention operations. The cam profile incorporates features that enable precise positioning for suction mode and precise positioning for moisture retention mode, providing the necessary control precision without requiring multiple separate mechanisms, thereby reducing device cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4205984B1Maintenance device, liquid discharge device, and liquid discharge apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.02.12 RICOH CO LTD

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4C
Figure 5A~6

AI summary

A maintenance device (10) includes a moisturizing cap (11) and a suction cap (12). The moisturizing cap (11) contacts a discharge face (4a) of a liquid discharge head (4) with a first capping end (11d). The suction cap (12) is disposed inside the moisturizing cap (11). The suction cap (12) contacts the discharge face (4a) with a second capping end (12d) to suck a liquid from a discharge port (4c) in the discharge face (4a).