Printhead cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printhead cleaning systems face issues with excess liquid accumulation and dripping, which reduces the effectiveness of the cleaning operation and can damage electronic components, leading to increased costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A printhead cleaning system that includes a movable web with a dispensing apparatus to apply liquid, a scraper element to remove excess liquid, a collector element to collect the scraped liquid, and a pusher element to ensure optimal wetting conditions for effective nozzle cleaning without excess liquid dripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wiper or pushing element urges the web to clean the printhead face, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but excess liquid accumulates and drips from the web
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the excess liquid from the cleaning web by introducing a separate liquid collection system. A liquid collection channel is formed between the printhead face and the support surface, allowing excess liquid to be drained away from the cleaning area. This separates the cleaning function from the liquid management function, preventing liquid accumulation while maintaining effective cleaning pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary liquid collection channel that mediates between the cleaning web and the printhead face. This channel acts as a buffer zone that captures excess liquid before it can drip onto electronic components, while still allowing the web to maintain optimal contact pressure for effective cleaning.
2Reliability
If liquid is applied to moisten the web, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the web becomes over-saturated and liquid accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts excess liquid from the cleaning system by providing a dedicated drainage path. The liquid collection channel removes surplus liquid that accumulates during the cleaning process, preventing over-saturation of the web while maintaining adequate moisture for effective cleaning of dried ink and contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the liquid management parameters by introducing controlled drainage. Instead of allowing liquid to accumulate freely, the system maintains optimal liquid levels by draining excess through the collection channel, thereby controlling the saturation level of the web to prevent over-moistening while ensuring sufficient wetting for cleaning.
3Reliability
If excess liquid is present on the web, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but electronic components are damaged and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts harmful excess liquid from the cleaning zone by implementing a liquid collection channel. This channel actively removes liquid that would otherwise drip onto electronic components, separating the liquid removal function from the cleaning function. The result is thorough cleaning without the harmful side effect of liquid damage to electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful excess liquid into a beneficial drainage flow. By providing a controlled path for liquid removal, the system uses the presence of excess liquid to drive flow through the collection channel, thereby preventing damage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness. The harmful liquid is redirected to serve a useful drainage function.
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 achieves efficient printhead cleaning, reduces downtime, and extends the useful life of printheads by minimizing excess liquid and preventing damage to electronic components, thereby enhancing print quality and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A dispensing apparatus is situated adjacent to a second side of the cleaning web to jet a liquid upon the cleaning web
Implementation Method 2
A scraper element is to scrape a second side of the cleaning web, opposite the first side, to remove pooled liquid from the cleaning web
Implementation Method 3
A pusher element is to push against the second side of the cleaning web to cause the first side of the cleaning web to wipe a face of a printhead
Data Source
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.