Liquid Ejection Device Cleaning via Vibration and Liquid Column

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejection devices struggle to effectively remove foreign matter from both the ejection opening face and the flow path connected with it, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-120332.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejection device comprising a storage container, a device to eject liquid, a device to hold liquid, a device to collect liquid, and a device to vibrate liquid, which forms a liquid column to contact the ejection opening face, using a separation membrane and a pressure control system to stabilize the gas-liquid interface and remove foreign matter by increasing viscosity and applying vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a liquid-holding portion is used to hold liquid between the ejection opening face and the liquid-holding portion, then liquid can be collected from the ejection opening face, but foreign matter in the flow path connecting with the ejection opening cannot be removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vibration mechanism that dynamically vibrates the liquid held in the liquid-holding portion. This vibration transforms the static liquid into a dynamic cleaning medium that can effectively remove foreign matter from both the ejection opening face and the connected flow path, resolving the limitation of static liquid holding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent explicitly applies mechanical vibration to the liquid through a vibration mechanism. The vibrated liquid generates cleaning action that penetrates into the flow path connected with the ejection opening, enabling comprehensive removal of foreign matter that static liquid holding cannot achieve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Productivity

If liquid is ejected from the storage container through the ejection opening, then the liquid ejection function is achieved, but foreign matter adhering to the ejection opening face and in the flow path cannot be effectively removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection functionVSAvoidforeign matter removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a preliminary cleaning action by holding liquid in the liquid-holding portion before ejection operations. This pre-positioned liquid, when vibrated, cleans the ejection opening face and flow path in advance, preventing foreign matter accumulation that would interfere with ejection function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration mechanism applies mechanical vibration to the held liquid, creating effective cleaning action that removes foreign matter from critical areas. This ensures reliable ejection function by maintaining cleanliness of the ejection opening and flow path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Reliability

If a device configured to vibrate liquid is applied to the held liquid, then foreign matter can be removed from the ejection opening face and flow path, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter removalVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid-holding portion serves multiple functions: it holds liquid for collection, provides a medium for vibration-based cleaning, and enables penetration into the flow path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the liquid by applying vibration. This parameter change transforms ordinary held liquid into an effective cleaning medium, achieving foreign matter removal without requiring complex mechanical cleaning structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficiently removes foreign matter from the ejection opening face and flow path by forming a liquid column that increases viscosity and applies vibration, allowing for effective collection and cleaning of the substrate.

Implementation Method 1

using a separation membrane and a pressure control system to stabilize the gas-liquid interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase separation: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

using a separation membrane and a pressure control system to stabilize the gas-liquid interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure control: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

forming a liquid column that increases viscosity and applies vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscosity increase:

Implementation Method 4

forming a liquid column that increases viscosity and applies vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11097545B2Liquid ejection device, cleaning apparatus and cleaning method for module substrate

Publication Date: 2021.08.24 CANON KK

AI summary

A liquid ejection device, a cleaning apparatus and a cleaning method for a module substrate, which can remove foreign matter on an ejection opening face and in a flow path connected with an ejection opening is provided. For that purpose, an ejection opening face is covered with liquid, cleaning is performed by driving a device configured to vibrate liquid, and after that the liquid is collected.