Printhead cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printhead cleaning systems face issues with excess liquid accumulation, leading to reduced cleaning effectiveness and potential damage to electronic components, increasing costs and downtime, due to the inefficiencies in managing liquid saturation and distribution during the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A printhead cleaning system that employs a movable web with a dispensing apparatus to apply liquid, a scraper element to remove excess liquid, and a pusher element to ensure optimal wetting conditions, preventing excess liquid from dripping and enhancing the cleaning process while protecting sensitive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a moistened web is used to wipe the printhead nozzles, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but excess liquid accumulates on the web causing over-saturation and potential damage to electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where the cleaning web is continuously fed and discarded after use, rather than being reused. This allows the web to be replaced with a fresh, dry section after it becomes saturated, preventing excess liquid accumulation while maintaining cleaning effectiveness. The web feed mechanism ensures continuous supply of clean wiping surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes excess liquid from the cleaning web through a series of drying rollers and suction mechanisms positioned along the web path. This separation of liquid removal function from the wiping function allows the web to maintain optimal moisture levels for cleaning without becoming over-saturated.
2Reliability
If liquid is applied to moisten the cleaning web, then cleaning performance is improved, but the cost and complexity of liquid distribution control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning web is designed to be self-regulating in its liquid absorption. Rather than requiring complex sensors and controllable fluid distribution devices, the web naturally absorbs the amount of liquid needed for effective cleaning through capillary action, eliminating the need for active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable or frequently replaceable cleaning web that does not require precise liquid distribution control. By using a new web section for each cleaning cycle, the system achieves consistent cleaning performance without investing in complex liquid management infrastructure.
3Reliability
If a wiper pushes the cleaning web against the printhead face, then cleaning contact is improved, but the squeezing effect causes excess liquid to drip from the web
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into distinct functional zones: a wetting zone where liquid is applied, a wiping zone where the web contacts the printhead, and a drying zone where excess liquid is removed. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its function optimally without interfering with others, preventing liquid dripping while maintaining effective contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying force in the vertical direction (pushing the web against the printhead), the patent uses a horizontal web feed mechanism to move the cleaning web continuously through the cleaning zone. This dimensional change eliminates the squeezing effect that causes dripping while maintaining adequate contact through the web's inherent flexibility and continuous motion.
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 system effectively wipes printhead nozzles without excess liquid, improving print quality, extending printhead lifespan, and reducing downtime by maintaining efficient cleaning cycles and minimizing damage to electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
a dispensing apparatus to apply a liquid upon the web
Implementation Method 2
a moistened web... to periodically wipe the printhead nozzles
Implementation Method 3
a scraper element to scrape the web at a second side
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
In an example of the disclosure, a cleaning system for a printhead includes a web of material movable in a web direction. The web has a first side for wiping a printhead face. The cleaning system includes a dispensing apparatus to dispense a liquid upon the web. The cleaning system includes a scraper element for scraping liquid from the web and includes a collector element with a trough. The collector element is to cause collection of liquid scraped from the web to collect in the trough. The cleaning system includes a pusher element to push against the second side of the web and thereby cause the first side of the web to wipe the printhead face