Continuous Inkjet Printhead Gutter Cleaning via Solvent Jet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current continuous inkjet printers require manual and messy cleaning processes for the printhead, which are time-consuming, solvent-intensive, and may lead to printer unreliability if not performed correctly.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automating the printhead cleaning process by ejecting a solvent jet from the printing nozzle to contact and clean the gutter surrounding the orifice, using existing hardware and potentially enabling software upgrades, thereby reducing solvent usage and simplifying the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If manual cleaning process is used for printhead, then cleaning can be performed, but it is time-consuming and requires large quantities of solvent
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead cleans itself by ejecting solvent through its own printing nozzle onto the gutter. The system uses its existing ejection mechanism to perform cleaning, eliminating the need for external manual cleaning operations and reducing both solvent consumption and cleaning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical cleaning process is replaced by an automated fluid-based cleaning system. Instead of physically removing and manually cleaning the printhead, the system uses controlled solvent ejection to clean the gutter, reducing labor time and solvent waste.
2Ease of operation
If manual cleaning process is used for printhead, then cleaning can be performed, but it requires specialist equipment and is messy
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead performs its own cleaning using its existing nozzle and solvent supply system. No external cleaning equipment or specialist tools are required, as the printhead uses its own components to clean the gutter, simplifying the operation and eliminating messiness associated with manual cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing nozzle serves dual functions: it ejects ink for printing during normal operation and ejects solvent for cleaning during maintenance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cleaning equipment and simplifies the overall system.
3Reliability
If manual cleaning process is used for printhead, then cleaning can be performed, but it may lead to printer unreliability if not performed correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The automated self-cleaning process eliminates human error in cleaning procedures. The printhead automatically ejects solvent at controlled intervals and in controlled amounts, ensuring consistent and reliable cleaning without requiring operator skill or attention to detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can be controlled to perform cleaning operations based on usage parameters or detected conditions, ensuring cleaning is performed at appropriate intervals to maintain reliability. The automated control ensures proper cleaning procedure is always followed.
4Device complexity
If existing hardware is used for cleaning, then no additional complexity is added, but the cleaning effectiveness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The existing printing nozzle and solvent supply system are used for dual purposes: ink ejection during printing and solvent ejection during cleaning. This eliminates the need for separate cleaning hardware, maintaining simple printer design while enabling effective cleaning that reduces solvent waste through precise directional ejection.
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 automated solvent jet cleaning method effectively reduces solvent consumption by up to 90% and simplifies the cleaning process, maintaining printhead reliability without adding complexity to existing printer designs.
Implementation Method 1
ejecting a solvent jet from the printing nozzle towards the gutter
Implementation Method 2
causing at least a portion of the solvent ejected in the jet to contact at least a part of the gutter surrounding the orifice for cleaning said part of the gutter surrounding the orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a continuous inkjet printer (1). The printer comprise a printhead. The printhead comprises a droplet generator (16) comprising a printing nozzle (17) for ejecting an ink jet for printing, at least one electrode (22, 23) for steering the inkjet, and a gutter (18) having an ink receiving orifice (24) for receiving parts of the ink jet which are not used for printing. The method comprises performing a cleaning operation. Said cleaning operation comprises: ejecting a solvent jet from the printing nozzle towards the gutter; and causing at least a portion of the solvent jet to contact at least a part of the gutter (18) surrounding the orifice (24) for cleaning said part of the gutter surrounding the orifice.