Multi-Layer Wiping Member for Inkjet Nozzle Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiping methods for liquid discharge heads are insufficient in removing adherent ink from nozzle surfaces, requiring increased frequency or pressure, which can deteriorate the water repellent film.
Innovation Solution
A wiping member with a two- or three-layer structure, where the first layer in contact with the nozzle surface has a lower porosity and thickness than the subsequent layers, enhancing scraping ability while maintaining sufficient liquid absorption, allowing efficient removal of ink without damaging the water repellent film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wiping frequency or pressure is increased to remove adherent ink, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the water repellent film deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wiping member utilizes a porous foam material with controlled porosity (30-80%) to achieve effective ink removal through capillary action and absorption without requiring excessive pressure. The porous structure allows the material to draw ink away from the nozzle surface gently, maintaining cleaning effectiveness while protecting the water repellent film from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the wiping member by controlling its porosity, density, and hardness to optimize the balance between cleaning power and film protection. By adjusting these parameters, the wiping member achieves sufficient adhesion to remove ink while exerting limited pressure that does not damage the delicate water repellent film
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-layer wiping member is used, then the structure is simple, but the scraping ability for adherent ink is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wiping member is constructed as a composite material combining foam material with specific porosity and hardness characteristics. This composite structure provides both the scraping ability needed to remove adherent ink and the gentle properties required to protect the water repellent film, achieving enhanced performance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
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 wiping member effectively removes adherent ink from nozzle surfaces with improved scraping power and liquid absorption, reducing the need for increased frequency or pressure, thus preserving the water repellent film.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid dispersion medium on the nozzle surface is guided to and absorbed in the second layer due to capillary action in the first layer in contact with the nozzle surface
Implementation Method 2
the surface of the cleaning roller which comes into contact with the nozzle surface being formed of a fibrous absorbing member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A wiping member to wipe a nozzle surface of a liquid discharging head includes a first layer configured to be brought into contact with the nozzle surface and one or more other layers, wherein the following relation is satisfied: t1 < t2, where t1 represents the thickness of the first layer and t2 represents the thickness of the one or more other layers, wherein the porosity of the first layer is smaller than the porosity of at least one of the one or more other layers.