Movable Cover Casing for Ingress-Protected Printhead Cleaning

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses, such as thermal transfer overprinters, are vulnerable to damage from liquids and solids during cleaning processes, leading to malfunction and reduced lifespan, and current protection methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A casing with a moveable cover member and a movement mechanism that provides protection against ingress of liquids and solids, featuring a sealing arrangement and a control system for automated or manual operation, allowing for printhead cleaning during production line cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If printing apparatuses are manually covered with waterproof bags or hoods during cleaning, then protection against liquid ingress is achieved, but time consumption and storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against liquid ingressVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof cover is integrated into the printing apparatus housing as a unified structure, combining the protection function with the existing apparatus body. This eliminates the need for separate waterproof bags or hoods, reducing storage space requirements and simplifying the protection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof cover is designed as a movable component that can be automatically opened and closed based on operational state. During cleaning operations, the cover automatically opens to allow access, then automatically closes to provide protection, eliminating manual covering time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If printing apparatuses are removed from the production line during cleaning, then protection against liquid ingress is achieved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against liquid ingressVSAvoidlabor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof cover is designed as a movable component that can be automatically opened and closed based on operational state. During cleaning operations, the cover automatically opens to allow access, then automatically closes to provide protection, eliminating manual covering time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus protects itself through the integrated waterproof cover that automatically engages during cleaning operations, eliminating the need for manual removal and reinstallation by personnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If dummy parts are exchanged with functional parts during cleaning, then protection against liquid ingress is achieved, but time consumption and risk of incorrect reinstallation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against liquid ingressVSAvoidrisk of incorrect reinstallation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof cover is designed as a movable component that can be automatically opened and closed based on operational state. During cleaning operations, the cover automatically opens to allow access, then automatically closes to provide protection, eliminating manual covering time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12479225B2Printing apparatus and method of operation

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 DOVER EUROPE SARL

AI summary

A casing for a printing apparatus can include a body having a printing opening, and a cover member having an aperture, wherein the cover member is moveable relative to the body between an open position in which the aperture of the cover member is substantially aligned with the printing opening of the body, and a closed position in which at least a part of the cover member substantially closes the printing opening of the body. Further, a printing assembly can include a printing apparatus and a casing, the casing providing ingress protection for the printing apparatus. Finally, a control system for such a printing assembly, and a method of operation of such a printing assembly are provided.