Contactless Nozzle Plate Cleaning via Suction Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated cleaning methods for UV curable ink print heads require operator intervention and use chemicals, and are not effective in contactless cleaning of the nozzle plate, which is the most vulnerable part.
Innovation Solution
A contactless cleaning method using a suction element that creates a vacuum to flow air along the nozzle plate, removing residue without touching it, and a cyclone principle to separate the air from the residue, allowing for periodic cleaning without chemicals and operator dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional automated cleaning methods are used, then cleaning function is provided, but chemicals are required and operator labor is still needed
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system performs automated cleaning operations without requiring operator intervention during the cleaning process. The suction element moves autonomously along the nozzle plate, and the system automatically separates and collects residue, enabling the print head to clean itself without human labor beyond initial placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical cleaning methods with a mechanical suction-based system. Instead of using chemicals to dissolve or flush residue, the system uses a suction element that creates negative pressure to physically remove residue through air flow, eliminating the need for chemical agents.
2Productivity
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then residue is removed, but the nozzle plate is touched which may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium between the suction element and the nozzle plate. The suction element removes residue through air flow rather than direct physical contact, with the air acting as a mediator that carries residue away without the suction element touching the fragile nozzle plate surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles by employing a suction element that creates negative pressure to generate air flow. This air flow carries residue from the nozzle plate surface without physical contact, utilizing pneumatic forces rather than mechanical contact to achieve cleaning.
3Reliability
If contactless cleaning is implemented, then nozzle plate integrity is maintained, but separation of residue from fluid is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates residue from the air stream and collects the residue for disposal while allowing the air to be discharged or reused. The residue is discarded in a collection container, while the air component is recovered and can be released back into the environment or recirculated, implementing a discard-recover strategy for the separated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is divided into distinct functional segments: the suction element that removes residue-laden air, the separation mechanism that divides residue from air, and the collection system that stores residue. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring complex integration.
4Manufacturing precision
If periodic cleaning is performed, then print quality is maintained, but cleaning time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed for periodic cleaning operations where the suction element moves along the nozzle plate at regular intervals, removing residue buildup that occurs during printing operations. This periodic action maintains print quality by preventing residue accumulation while operating on a scheduled basis rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction element moves continuously along the nozzle plate during each cleaning cycle, maintaining constant air flow and residue removal. The cleaning process is designed to be continuous during its execution phase, ensuring thorough cleaning without interruption or repeated start-stop cycles that would waste time.
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
Ensures constant print quality by effectively removing ink residue and particles from the nozzle plate without damaging the print head, maintaining its integrity and reducing operator labor.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid flow may be caused by a vacuum. In this context, a vacuum may be an underpressure of 100 mbar or less.
Implementation Method 2
providing a suction element, the suction element causing a fluid, preferably air, to flow along a surface of the nozzle plate and then toward the suction element for removing residue from the nozzle plate
Implementation Method 3
a cyclone principle to separate the air from the residue
Data Source
AI summary
A method for contactless cleaning of a nozzle plate of a print head. The method may include: providing a suction element, the suction element causing a fluid to flow along a surface of the nozzle plate and toward the suction element for removing residue from the nozzle plate; sucking-in, by the suction element, the fluid together with the removed residue; and separating the sucked-in fluid from the sucked-in residue. Also, a suction element for cleaning of such a nozzle plate. The suction element may be configured to cause a fluid to flow along a surface of the nozzle plate and toward the suction element for removing residue from the nozzle plate and sucking-in the fluid with the residue. The suction element may include a mouth piece and a wheel, the wheel being arranged such that the mouth piece is spaced away from the surface of the nozzle plate.