Nozzle Wiping Sheet Assembly for Aligned Roller Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses face issues with sheet wrinkles and uneven transport due to misaligned rotation shafts of supply and winding rollers, and excessive liquid consumption during sheet replacement and wiping processes.
Innovation Solution
A replacement assembly with parallel-aligned supply and winding rollers, and a wiper assembly using a sheet to wipe the nozzle surface, where the applicator applies cleaning solution at predetermined intervals to minimize liquid consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the supply roller and winding roller are replaced separately to maintain parallel alignment, then the sheet transport precision is improved, but the replacement operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the supply roller and winding roller into a single replaceable unit called a 'replacement assembly'. This assembly includes both rollers pre-aligned in parallel relationship, allowing them to be installed together as one component. This merging approach maintains the parallel alignment precision required for proper sheet transport while simplifying the replacement operation to a single unit installation rather than coordinating multiple separate installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement assembly is pre-configured with the supply roller and winding roller in parallel alignment before installation. This preliminary action of pre-aligning the rollers during assembly manufacturing eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during operation. The parallel relationship is established in advance, ensuring precise sheet transport from the moment of installation.
2Reliability
If cleaning solution is applied to the entire sheet surface, then the nozzle surface cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the liquid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed to apply cleaning solution only to specific local areas of the sheet that correspond to the nozzle rows on the head. Rather than wetting the entire sheet surface, the cleaning solution is targeted precisely where needed - at the locations where the nozzles contact the sheet. This localized application maintains effective nozzle cleaning while significantly reducing overall liquid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies cleaning solution partially rather than completely across the sheet surface. The applicator targets only the portions of the sheet that will contact the nozzle rows, applying cleaning solution to these specific zones without wasting liquid on areas that will not contribute to nozzle cleaning. This partial action approach achieves sufficient cleaning effectiveness with reduced liquid usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A replacement assembly is attachable/detachable to/from a liquid ejection apparatus including a head that is configured to eject a liquid. The replacement assembly includes a sheet to wipe a nozzle surface of the head, a supply roller configured to supply the sheet, a winding roller configured to wind the sheet, and a holding portion that holds the supply roller and the winding roller.