Fluid Ejection Nozzle Wiper with Splash Catching Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid ejection apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, face the challenge of soiling the surrounding area due to objects scattered during the removal of foreign objects from the nozzle opening surface by the wiper member, as the elastic force of the wiper member inevitably causes objects to be scattered upon returning to its original shape.
Innovation Solution
A fluid ejection apparatus equipped with a splash catching member that is erected in front of the wiper member as it separates from the nozzle opening surface, effectively catching any scattered objects and preventing them from soiling the surrounding area, thereby ensuring complete elimination of soiling risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wiper member is used to remove foreign objects from the nozzle opening surface, then the ejection stability is improved, but the surrounding area may be soiled by scattered objects
Solution Approach 1:
A splash catching member is introduced as an intermediary component between the wiper member and the surrounding area. This member intercepts and collects the fluid and objects scattered by the wiper member before they can soil the surrounding area, thus resolving the contradiction between effective wiping and preventing contamination.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the force with which the wiper member returns to its original shape is suppressed, then the scattering of objects is reduced, but the scattering cannot be completely avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful elastic recovery force of the wiper member, which causes scattering, is converted into a beneficial effect by directing it toward the splash catching member. The scattered fluid and objects are caught by this member and collected in a container, transforming the harmful scattering into a controlled collection process that completely prevents soiling.
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 apparatus ensures that the surrounding area is not soiled by objects removed from the nozzle opening surface, as the splash catching member efficiently catches any scattered objects, providing a comprehensive solution to the issue of soiling.
Implementation Method 1
the wiper member is in an elastically deformed state due to the nozzle opening surface
Implementation Method 2
the splash catching member catching objects that had been adhering to the nozzle opening surface and that are scattered by the wiper member
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid ejection apparatus ejects a fluid from a nozzle and includes a nozzle opening surface in which the nozzle is formed. A fluid removal unit removes fluid adhering to the nozzle opening surface. The fluid removal unit includes a plate-shaped wiper member that is formed from an elastic material. The wiper member moves from one end of the nozzle opening surface to the other as the ejection head or the wiper member moves while in a state where the wiper member makes contact with the nozzle opening surface and elastically deforms. A splash catching member is erected in front of the wiper member when the wiper member moving relative along the nozzle opening surface separates from the nozzle opening surface and returns to its original shape. The splash catching member catches objects that had been adhering to the nozzle opening surface and are scattered by the wiper member.