Printhead Support Structure for Wiping Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pagewidth printheads in inkjet printers face challenges in effectively cleaning the nozzle face without damaging the delicate structures, as high contact pressure is required for effective cleaning but can damage the printhead IC, while reduced pressure leads to incomplete cleaning due to bouncing wiper blades.
Innovation Solution
The printhead assembly is mounted such that the wiping surface is guided onto the nozzle face without impacting a side of the printhead IC, using a support structure with an epoxy resin flush with the nozzle face to reduce contact force and prevent damage, allowing for effective cleaning with a modest contact force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high contact pressure is applied by the wiper, then effective cleaning of the nozzle face is achieved, but the delicate structures of the printhead IC are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A wiper guide structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the wiper blade and the printhead IC. This guide structure supports the wiper blade and directs it to contact only the robust exterior surfaces of the printhead IC, preventing direct contact with the delicate IC body while still enabling effective cleaning of the nozzle face through the wiper's motion path
2Strength
If reduced contact pressure is used to protect the printhead IC, then structure damage is prevented, but the wiper blade bounces off the edge and fails to clean the nozzle face effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper guide structure serves as a mediator that provides mechanical support to the wiper blade, ensuring consistent contact pressure is maintained throughout the cleaning stroke. The guide structure's geometry ensures the wiper blade follows a precise path that maintains engagement with the nozzle face without requiring high contact pressure, thus preventing both bouncing and damage
3Ease of operation
If the printhead IC is mounted proud of the external surface, then the nozzle face is accessible for cleaning, but the wiper requires high contact force that damages the IC
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper guide structure is positioned to interface with the exterior surfaces of the mounted printhead IC, providing a mechanical pathway that allows the wiper to access and clean the nozzle face effectively. The guide structure absorbs and distributes the contact forces, allowing the printhead IC to remain mounted proud for accessibility while preventing damage through force distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A printhead assembly with an elongate printhead IC having a nozzle face defining an array of nozzles, and a support structure for supporting the elongate printhead IC on an external surface such that its length is transverse to a media feed direction through the printer. The external surface has a section that is flush with a long side edge of the elongate printhead IC.