Liquid Discharging Device Maintenance via Segmented Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharging devices do not effectively address the issue of liquid adhesion to caps and wipers, as the optimal cleaning method depends on the location of adhesion within the cap.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharging device with a head that ejects liquid from a nozzle, a cap that contacts the nozzle surface, a wiper that wipes the nozzle surface, and a controller that performs specific maintenance processes using different maintenance liquids to clean the cap and wiper effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single cleaning method is used for the cap, then the device structure is simple, but cleaning effectiveness is insufficient for different liquid adhesion locations
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process is divided into two distinct segments: a first cleaning process for the outer surface of the cap using a first cleaning liquid, and a second cleaning process for the internal space and discharge channel using a second cleaning liquid. This segmentation allows each cleaning liquid to be optimized for its specific target area, improving overall cleaning effectiveness while maintaining manageable process complexity through clear separation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cleaning liquids with different properties are applied to different locations within the cap based on where liquid adhesion occurs. The first cleaning liquid addresses the outer surface, while the second cleaning liquid addresses the internal space and discharge channel. This local quality approach ensures that each area receives the most appropriate cleaning treatment for its specific contamination characteristics.
2Reliability
If maintenance liquid is stored in the internal space of the cap, then the nozzle is protected from drying out, but the cap may overflow if flow velocity is not controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The flow velocity of the maintenance liquid is carefully controlled and adjusted to an appropriate level. By changing the flow velocity parameter, the system achieves sufficient liquid storage in the cap's internal space to protect the nozzle from drying out, while simultaneously preventing the liquid from overflowing. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between protection and overflow prevention.
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 achieves optimal maintenance for caps and wipers by using distinct maintenance liquids for different components, ensuring thorough cleaning and preventing liquid from drying out in the nozzle.
Implementation Method 1
The first maintenance liquid cleans the cap and the first wiper
Implementation Method 2
the second maintenance liquid, which is different from the first maintenance liquid, into the internal space of the cap and the discharge channel
Implementation Method 3
a water-absorbent cleaning member that retains the first maintenance liquid
Implementation Method 4
The internal space of the cap in the covered position is maintained at a high humidity, making it difficult for the liquid to dry out in the nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid discharging device includes a head, a cap, a first wiper, a discharge channel, and a controller. The head ejects liquid from a nozzle which is an opening in a nozzle surface of the head. The cap is configured to abut against the nozzle surface at a covered position and to separate from the nozzle surface in a retracted position. The first wiper wipes the nozzle surface. The discharge channel connects an internal space of the cap to the outside of the cap. The controller executes a first maintenance process and a second maintenance process. In the first maintenance process, a first maintenance liquid is brought into contact with the cap in the retracted position and the first wiper. In the second maintenance process, a second maintenance liquid different from the first maintenance liquid is distributed to the internal space of the cap and the discharge channel.