Printer Wiper Absorption Groove Ink Clog Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face issues with ink drying and hardening on the ink removal member, leading to clogging and improper ink discharge due to the ink remaining on the wiping member, which can re-adhere to the nozzle forming surface.
Innovation Solution
A printer configuration with a wiper and an absorption member, where the absorption member is moistened and features a contact portion and surface grooves to effectively absorb ink from the wiper, reducing the likelihood of ink re-adhesion and clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ink removal member is used to absorb ink from the wiping member, then the ink is removed from the nozzle forming surface, but the ink dries and hardens on the ink removal member causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a moisture supply mechanism that pre-moistens the ink removal member before it contacts the wiping member. This preventive moisture application ensures the ink remains in a removable state, preventing it from drying and hardening on the ink removal member surface during the ink removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the ink removal member by controlling its moisture content. By dynamically adjusting the moisture level through the moisture supply mechanism, the ink removal member maintains optimal conditions for ink absorption without allowing the ink to dry and harden, thus resolving the contradiction between effective ink removal and preventing clogging.
2Reliability
If the wiping member contacts the nozzle face to remove ink, then the nozzle is cleaned, but ink remains on the wiping member and may re-adhere to the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the ink removal member as an intermediary between the wiping member and the nozzle forming surface. This intermediate component absorbs the ink transferred to the wiping member, preventing the ink from re-adhering to the nozzle. The intermediary mechanism effectively breaks the harmful cycle of ink re-contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a discarding mechanism for the accumulated ink by using the ink removal member to continuously absorb and remove ink from the wiping member. This prevents the ink from remaining on the wiping member surface where it could re-adhere to the nozzle, effectively discarding the harmful substance before it can cause damage.
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 configuration minimizes the risk of improper ink discharge by ensuring the ink is absorbed and prevented from re-adhering to the nozzle, maintaining print quality and reducing the need for frequent absorption member replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The absorption member is configured to absorb the first liquid adhered to the wiper while moving in relation to the wiper
Implementation Method 2
The surface groove is provided on an absorption face side of the absorption member. The surface groove is a groove recessed in a direction apart from the wiper than the contact portion
Data Source
AI summary
A head includes a nozzle face having a nozzle discharging a first liquid. A wiper contacts to the nozzle face and moves in relation to the nozzle face. An absorption member moistened by a second liquid absorbs the first liquid adhered to the wiper while moving in relation to the wiper and has a contact portion and a surface groove. The contact portion is provided on a side of an absorption face of the absorption member so as to come into contact with the wiper. The absorption face is a face on a side of the absorption member facing the wiper. The surface groove is provided on an absorption face side. The surface groove is recessed in a direction apart from the wiper than the contact portion and extends along an extending direction in which an edge on an absorption member side of the wiper extends.