Printing Nozzle Cleaning via Reverse Fluid Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing nozzles used for applying paint are prone to clogging due to ineffective cleaning techniques, leading to paint mixing issues when switching between colors, as existing cleaning methods are time-consuming and difficult to implement, especially with small nozzle diameters.
Innovation Solution
A facility with a set of printing nozzles that includes injectors for simultaneous cleaning of multiple nozzles by injecting a cleaning fluid through their discharge orifices in the opposite direction of the normal paint flow, utilizing a cleaning station with sealing gaskets and a multiaxial robot for efficient nozzle alignment and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cleaning techniques are used to clean printing nozzles, then the cleaning process can be performed, but the cleaning is ineffective and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional cleaning approach by injecting cleaning fluid through the discharge orifices in the reverse flow direction (from downstream to upstream), rather than injecting from the supply side. This reverse injection method effectively cleans the outlet channels and discharge orifices where paint accumulation occurs, resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and time consumption by achieving thorough cleaning in a single rapid operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic injection of cleaning fluid under pressure through the nozzle discharge orifices. By utilizing fluid pressure to force cleaning liquid through the narrow outlet channels in reverse flow direction, the system achieves effective cleaning of hard-to-reach areas without manual intervention, thereby improving both cleaning effectiveness and reducing time loss.
2Manufacturing precision
If small diameter discharge orifices are used in printing nozzles, then paint application precision is improved, but the nozzles become prone to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary cleaning action by injecting cleaning fluid through the discharge orifices before paint clogging can occur. This preventive maintenance approach, performed automatically during or between painting operations, keeps the small diameter orifices clear of paint accumulation, thereby maintaining both precision and reliability without requiring larger orifices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system enables the nozzles to self-clean by injecting cleaning fluid through their own discharge orifices. This self-service mechanism allows the nozzles to maintain their small diameter precision features while automatically preventing clogging, eliminating the need for manual cleaning or design compromises.
3Reliability
If individual nozzle cleaning is performed, then each nozzle can be cleaned thoroughly, but the cleaning process becomes time-consuming and difficult to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cleaning of multiple nozzles into a single integrated operation. By positioning multiple injectors to simultaneously inject cleaning fluid through the discharge orifices of multiple nozzles arranged in a matrix, the system achieves thorough cleaning of all nozzles in parallel, thereby maintaining cleaning reliability while dramatically improving productivity and eliminating the time-consuming nature of individual cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning station is designed with universal applicability to clean all nozzles in the set through a standardized injection mechanism. Each injector performs the same cleaning function across multiple nozzles, creating a multi-functional system that maintains thorough cleaning while achieving high efficiency through simultaneous operation.
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 method allows for effective and efficient simultaneous cleaning of multiple nozzles, reducing the risk of paint mixing and minimizing downtime, enabling quick color changes and maintaining nozzle performance.
Implementation Method 1
several injectors provided to simultaneously clean several nozzles of a row of nozzles or all of the nozzles of the set of nozzles, by injecting cleaning fluid into the outlet channels of the printing nozzles of the row or the set of nozzles, through their discharge orifices
Data Source
AI summary
A facility for applying a coating product including a set of printing nozzles, each nozzle including an outlet channel emerging in the downstream direction by a coating product discharge orifice, the facility further including a cleaning station for at least one nozzle of the set of printing nozzles, the station including at least one cleaning fluid injector in the outlet channel of the printing nozzle, through its discharge orifice.