Liquid Discharge Head Cleaning via External Outlet
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses require lengthy cleaning processes when the liquid discharge head is detached, and existing solutions either limit cleaning capacity or increase the size of the apparatus due to the need for larger waste liquid tanks or separate cartridges for ink and cleaning liquids.
Innovation Solution
The liquid discharge apparatus incorporates an outlet opening that allows fluid emission outside the casing without using the internal waste liquid tank, enabling efficient cleaning with a large amount of fluid without detaching the head, and includes a switching valve to selectively direct fluid emission between the waste tank and the outlet, reducing the need for a large waste tank and allowing for circulatory cleaning without increasing the apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a cleaning liquid is supplied to a liquid discharge head and a fluid emitted from the liquid discharge head is emitted into a waste liquid tank, then cleaning can be accomplished, but the cleaning capacity is limited by the waste liquid tank capacity and the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid emission function from the internal waste liquid tank system by providing an outlet opening that emits fluid outside the casing. This allows cleaning liquid to be supplied and emitted without being constrained by the internal tank capacity, resolving the contradiction between cleaning capacity and tank volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a closed internal waste liquid tank system to an open external emission system through the outlet opening. This dimensional change from internal containment to external discharge enables unlimited cleaning liquid supply without increasing the apparatus volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cartridge both for circulating ink and for circulating a cleaning liquid is detachably attachable to a liquid discharge apparatus, then cleaning can be performed, but the cartridge size increases and the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a single outlet opening that serves multiple functions: it emits waste liquid during normal operation and serves as an emission point for cleaning liquid during cleaning operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cartridges for ink and cleaning liquid, reducing both cartridge and apparatus volume while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If the liquid discharge head is detached from the apparatus for cleaning, then cleaning can be performed, but the cleaning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the liquid discharge head to be cleaned in situ without detachment by providing an outlet opening that allows cleaning liquid to be supplied and emitted while the head remains attached to the apparatus. This self-service cleaning capability maintains cleaning accessibility while eliminating the time loss associated with detachment and reattachment operations.
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
This solution reduces cleaning time, allows for vigorous cleaning without increasing the apparatus size, and enables efficient circulatory cleaning while maintaining a compact design by eliminating the need for a large waste tank and separate cartridges.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid discharge apparatus further includes within the casing a pump for moving the fluid emitted from the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a casing, a liquid discharge head that includes a nozzle for discharging a liquid supplied from a liquid supply source provided in the casing, a waste liquid tank that accommodates in the casing a fluid emitted from the nozzle, and an outlet opening for emitting the fluid emitted from the nozzle to an outside of the casing without emitting the fluid into the waste liquid tank provided in the casing.