Printer Wiper Mechanism for Nozzle Clogging Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers face challenges in effectively removing ink from nozzle surfaces, leading to potential clogging and reduced printing quality due to inadequate wiper mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The printer incorporates a wiper support system with a coil spring, inclined portions, and guide wall portions to move the wiper between contact and separated positions, ensuring effective ink removal and easy replacement of the wiper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wiper is used to remove ink from the nozzle surface, then ink removal efficiency is improved, but the wiper may remain attached to the nozzle surface causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper is designed to dynamically change position between contact and separation states. The inclined portion enables the wiper to automatically separate from the nozzle surface after wiping, ensuring complete removal and preventing clogging while maintaining high ink removal efficiency during contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper operates in periodic cycles of contact (wiping) and separation (clearing). The inclined portion facilitates this periodic action by enabling the wiper to lift away from the nozzle surface after each wiping stroke, ensuring continuous effectiveness without residue accumulation.
2Device complexity
If the wiper is fixed in position, then structural simplicity is improved, but the wiper cannot be easily replaced when worn
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper support structure is segmented into modular components: the wiper blade, the support portion, and the inclined portion with engagement features. This segmentation allows the wiper blade to be independently replaced while retaining the support structure, simplifying both the overall structure and the replacement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portion with the opening allows the wiper to transition between fixed and replaceable states. The protrusion can be inserted through the opening for easy replacement, or engaged for stable operation, providing both structural simplicity during use and ease of repair during maintenance.
3Productivity
If the wiper continuously contacts the nozzle surface, then ink removal is maintained, but the wiper may become saturated with ink and lose effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper performs periodic contact and separation cycles. During contact, it removes ink from the nozzle surface. During separation, it can be cleaned or replaced, preventing ink saturation and maintaining continuous effectiveness. The inclined portion enables this periodic action through automatic lifting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation phase serves as preliminary action for the next wiping cycle. By lifting the wiper away from the nozzle surface, the system prepares for either cleaning or replacement of the wiper, ensuring it is ready for effective contact in the next cycle without being saturated with ink.
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 enhances ink removal efficiency, reduces the likelihood of ink remaining on the nozzle surface, and facilitates easy wiper replacement, thereby maintaining print quality and preventing clogging.
Implementation Method 1
an urging portion configured to urge the wiper in a second direction. The second direction is a direction from the wiper toward the wiper support portion
Implementation Method 2
The inclined portion is inclined in the second direction with respect to the orthogonal direction. The inclined portion is configured to move the wiper between a contact position and a separated position in accordance with movement of the inclined portion
Implementation Method 3
The wiper is configured to contact with the nozzle surface. A first side of the wiper is configured to be opposed to the nozzle surface
Implementation Method 4
a wiper configured to remove ink attached to a nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a head portion, a wiper, a wiper support portion, an urging portion, an inclined portion, an engagement portion, and a guide wall portion. The head portion includes a nozzle surface including a nozzle configured to eject liquid. The nozzle surface extends in a first direction and an orthogonal direction. The wiper is configured to contact with the nozzle surface. The wiper support portion supports the wiper. The urging portion is configured to urge the wiper in a second direction. The first protrusion portion is provided on the wiper support portion. The inclined portion is configured to move the wiper between a contact position and a separated position in accordance with movement of the inclined portion. The engagement portion is configured to engage with the first protrusion portion. The guide wall portion is configured to guide the movement of the wiper.