Print Device Cap with Elastic Wall and Plate for Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print devices face challenges in maintaining the humidity of the ejection surface of a head, leading to potential nozzle drying out and non-ejection issues due to pressure decreases within the cap member, which restricts the enlargement of the fluid collection member's surface area.
Innovation Solution
A print device design incorporating a frame-shaped cap with a suction opening, an absorption member, and a plate-shaped member that restricts cap deformation and enhances humidity maintenance by directing moisture from the absorption member to the ejection surface through strategically placed holes and recessed portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fluid collection member's surface area is enlarged to humidify all areas of the ejection surface, then the humidity maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to the constraint of disposing the fluid collection member inside the seal portion with the restriction member
Solution Approach 1:
The cap member is divided into multiple functional portions: the frame-shaped seal portion for sealing, the fluid collection member for humidity maintenance, and the plate-shaped member with holes for moisture delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining reliability while simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate-shaped member acts as an intermediary between the fluid collection member and the ejection surface. It receives moisture from the absorption member through its holes and delivers it to the ejection surface, enabling effective humidity maintenance without requiring the fluid collection member to be in direct contact with all nozzle areas.
2Power
If the frame-shaped wall portion is allowed to deform inwardly due to pressure decrease, then the suction force is improved, but the seal reliability deteriorates due to separation from the ejection surface
Solution Approach 1:
The frame-shaped wall portion is made of an elastic body, allowing it to flexibly deform inwardly during suction while maintaining contact with the ejection surface. This flexibility enables the cap to adapt to pressure changes without compromising the seal, as the elastic material returns to its original shape when pressure equalizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap member is designed to dynamically adapt its shape during operation. The frame-shaped wall portion deforms inwardly when suction pressure decreases, enhancing the seal against the ejection surface, and returns to its original position when pressure equalizes, preventing permanent deformation while maintaining suction effectiveness.
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 solution effectively inhibits ejection surface drying and ensures consistent ink ejection by maintaining humidity and preventing cap deformation during pressure changes, thereby reducing the likelihood of nozzle clogging and improving printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
The absorption member is arranged in a position surrounded by the frame-shaped wall portion and is configured to absorb liquid
Implementation Method 2
the suction pump decreases a pressure of an inside space of the cap member. Thus, the ink is forcibly discharged from the nozzle openings
Data Source
AI summary
A print device includes a head, a cap, a suction portion, an absorption member, and a plate-shaped member. The head has an ejection surface. The ejection surface has a plurality of nozzles formed in the ejection surface and is directed in a predetermined direction. The cap has a frame-shaped wall portion and a suction opening. The suction portion is connected to the inside of the cap via the suction opening. The absorption member is arranged in a position surrounded by the frame-shaped wall portion and is configured to absorb liquid. The plate-shaped member is surrounded by the frame-shaped wall portion and is arranged in a position facing the absorption member. The plate-shaped member is extending along an inner end surface of the frame-shaped wall portion and has a hole.