Liquid Ejection Wiping Mechanism for Parallel Print Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses face inefficiencies in the timing and throughput of wiping operations due to sequential performance with printing operations, leading to increased downtime and potential collisions between the carriage and wiping mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed to perform wiping operations in parallel with printing by moving the wiping mechanism from a standby position to a start position concurrently with the printing operation, utilizing a cleaning solution application mechanism to prepare the wiping mechanism, and adjusting carriage movement to avoid collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wiping mechanism is moved from standby position to start position sequentially after printing operation, then the wiping operation can be performed, but the time required for wiping operation increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiping mechanism is moved from the standby position to the start position in advance, before the printing operation completes. This preliminary positioning allows the wiping operation to begin immediately after printing, eliminating sequential waiting time and enabling parallel execution of printing and wiping preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiping mechanism performs continuous useful action by moving to the start position during the printing operation and then executing the wiping operation immediately afterward. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between printing and wiping, maintaining productive action throughout the process.
2Loss of time
If the wiping mechanism is moved to start position during printing operation, then the time for wiping operation is reduced, but collision between carriage and wiping mechanism may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing and positioning of the wiping mechanism based on the printing operation status. The control unit coordinates the movement of the wiping mechanism with the carriage movement, ensuring that the wiping mechanism is positioned at the start position only when the carriage is at a safe position, thereby preventing collision while enabling time-efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the positions of both the carriage and wiping mechanism in real-time and adjusts their movements accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the wiping mechanism moves to the start position only when it is safe to do so, preventing collision while maintaining the time efficiency gains from parallel operation.
3Reliability
If the wiping operation is performed immediately after printing, then ink ejection performance is maintained, but the timing coordination becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the printing operation, coordinates the wiping mechanism movement, and manages the timing of both operations. This multi-functionality consolidates the complex timing coordination into a single control system, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to perform wiping immediately after printing to preserve ink ejection performance.
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 approach reduces the time required for wiping operations post-printing, enhances throughput by minimizing downtime, and prevents collisions, thereby maintaining consistent ink ejection performance and reducing color unevenness in images.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning solution application mechanism configured to apply the cleaning solution to the absorption member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A carriage is movable to a formation position and a wiping position. A wiping mechanism is movable to a standby position, a start position, and an end position. The wiping mechanism is configured to perform the wiping operation by moving from the start position to the end position in a state in which the carriage is at the wiping position after moving from the standby position to the start position. The wiping mechanism performs a preparation operation of preparing the wiping operation at the standby position, and the wiping mechanism performs the preparation operation and movement from the standby position to the start position in parallel to the forming operation when performing the wiping operation following the forming operation.