Nozzle Cover Bevel Design for Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face a quality deterioration issue due to ink accumulation at the level difference created by nozzle covers, which affects the discharge of ink from nozzles, leading to potential clogging and printing defects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a print device design that includes a discharge portion, a support portion, a wiper, and cover portions with specific flat face parts and bevel face parts to inhibit ink accumulation by using water-repellent surfaces and angled designs that guide ink away from nozzle areas, preventing it from spreading and causing discharge issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If nozzle covers are provided to protect the nozzle plate from damage during wiping, then the nozzle plate is protected from damage, but ink accumulates at the level difference created by the nozzle cover thickness, causing discharge problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a beveled (angled) surface instead of a flat horizontal surface at the edge of the nozzle cover. This curved/angled geometry allows ink to be guided away from the nozzle area along the bevel, preventing accumulation while maintaining the protective function of the nozzle cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful function of the nozzle cover edge (which causes ink accumulation) by adding a beveled surface that redirects ink flow. The bevel separates the protective function from the ink-blocking function, allowing ink to flow away from the nozzle area while the cover still protects the nozzle plate.
2Reliability
If a wiper blade is used to remove excess ink from the nozzle plate surface, then ink discharge performance is improved, but the nozzle plate may be damaged during wiping
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle cover acts as an intermediary protective element between the wiper blade and the nozzle plate. It provides a sacrificial surface that can be wiped without damaging the delicate nozzle plate, while still allowing the wiper to perform its ink removal function effectively.
3Strength
If the nozzle cover thickness is increased to improve protection, then the nozzle plate is better protected, but the level difference increases causing more ink accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing a beveled surface at the edge of the nozzle cover, the patent eliminates the harmful horizontal level difference that causes ink accumulation. The angled surface redirects ink flow away from the nozzle area, allowing the nozzle cover to be thicker for better protection without compromising ink discharge consistency.
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 design effectively reduces ink accumulation and prevents printing quality deterioration by ensuring ink is easily removed and directed away from nozzle areas, maintaining consistent ink discharge and preventing clogging.
Implementation Method 1
The wiper is provided to be able to move from a third direction side to a fourth direction side of the discharge face while in contact with the discharge face from the first direction side
Implementation Method 2
The implementation of a print device design that includes a discharge portion, a support portion, a wiper, and cover portions with specific flat face parts and bevel face parts to inhibit ink accumulation by using water-repellent surfaces
Implementation Method 3
angled designs that guide ink away from nozzle areas
Data Source
AI summary
A discharge portion includes a discharge face on a first direction side. A support portion supports the discharge portion on a second direction side. A wiper can move from a third direction side to a fourth direction side of the discharge face. The third direction and the fourth direction orthogonally intersect the first direction and the second direction. A first cover portion covers an edge on the third direction side of the support portion and includes a first flat face part which is provided parallel to the discharge face and located to the first direction side of the discharge face. A second cover portion covers an edge on the fourth direction side of the support portion. The second cover portion includes a second flat face part. The second flat face part is provided parallel to the discharge face and to the second direction side of the discharge face.