Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Asymmetric Head Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face issues with inks having strong attack properties causing swelling or dissolution of organic materials in the head units, leading to potential deterioration and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus is designed with a first head unit ejecting a first liquid and a second head unit that ejects a second liquid with a stronger attack property, where the ejection surface of the second head unit is angled at a smaller angle relative to the horizontal plane compared to the first head unit, preventing droplets from being moved by gravity and minimizing contact-induced damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a head unit ejects ink having strong attack property, then printing functionality is achieved, but droplets may move onto the sealer and cause swelling or dissolution of the member
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection surface of the second head unit is inclined at a smaller angle to the horizontal plane than the ejection surface of the first head unit. This asymmetric angular configuration prevents droplets from the second head unit (which has stronger attack properties) from moving onto the sealer under gravity, while maintaining effective printing functionality.
2Reliability
If the ejection surface angle is reduced to prevent droplet movement, then member integrity is maintained, but ejection efficiency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
Different ejection surface angles are applied to different head units based on their specific requirements. The first head unit has a standard ejection angle optimized for its ink type, while the second head unit has a reduced angle specifically tailored to prevent droplet movement for inks with strong attack properties, maintaining both integrity and efficiency.
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 configuration effectively suppresses swelling or dissolution of components in the second head unit, reducing potential deterioration and allowing for a more compact printer design by maintaining the integrity of the organic materials used in the head units.
Implementation Method 1
droplets of the clear ink landing on an ejection surface at the time of ejection may be moved by gravity onto a member such as the sealer
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a rotary member that rotates in a rotational direction; a first head unit that is disposed along a circumferential surface of the rotary member and ejects a first liquid; and a second head unit that ejects a second liquid whose property of attacking an organic material is stronger than the first liquid, in which an angle which an ejection surface of the second head unit forms with a horizontal plane is smaller than an angle which an ejection surface of the first head unit forms with the horizontal plane.