Adjustable Printhead Wiping Force via Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printhead cleaning technologies lack the ability to dynamically adjust wiping forces based on specific printhead conditions and cleaning operations, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage from excessive force.
Innovation Solution
A printhead-wiping device with a biasing mechanism supported by an actuator and controller, allowing for adjustable wiping forces by compressing a resilient element or spring to apply a predetermined preload force, tailored to the type of printhead, cleaning operation, and duty cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed wiping force is applied to the printhead, then the cleaning operation can be performed consistently, but the wiping force cannot be adapted to different printhead conditions leading to either insufficient cleaning or excessive force causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by implementing an actuator that can dynamically adjust the wiping force applied to the printhead. The actuator modifies the biasing force in real-time based on detected printhead conditions, allowing the system to adapt between different cleaning scenarios (pre-flight, in-flight, post-flight) and prevent both insufficient cleaning and excessive force damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Parameter changes principle by varying the wiping force parameter according to different operating conditions. The controller adjusts the actuator output to change the applied force parameter based on printhead state detection, enabling the same cleaning mechanism to handle multiple printhead conditions optimally without requiring multiple fixed-force systems.
2Productivity
If a high wiping force is used to ensure thorough cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but component fatigue increases and recovery times are extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Partial or excessive action principle by using detection mechanisms to determine the actual cleaning needs of the printhead. Rather than always applying maximum force, the system applies only the necessary wiping force based on detected contamination levels and printhead conditions, achieving sufficient cleaning while minimizing unnecessary stress on components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Feedback principle by implementing detection mechanisms that monitor printhead conditions and feed this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust the actuator output and wiping force in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes cleaning effectiveness while preventing excessive force application that would cause component fatigue.
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of wiping force is required for different cleaning operations, then precise control can be achieved, but manual intervention increases and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Self-service principle by implementing detection mechanisms and control logic that automatically determine and adjust the appropriate wiping force based on detected printhead conditions. The system serves itself by autonomously selecting the correct cleaning parameters without requiring manual intervention, while still achieving precise force control through the actuator and controller combination.
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
Enables precise control of wiping forces, minimizing component fatigue, improving recovery times, and reducing manual intervention, while maintaining image quality by adapting to different printhead conditions and operations.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing mechanism 104 is resiliently compressible along its axis such that upon compression of the biasing mechanism 104 it generates a restoring force which acts to force the wiper element 102 outwards.
Implementation Method 2
movement of the movable portion of the actuator 106 toward the casing 110 reduces the distance between the movable portion and the base portion 110 of the wiper element 102. Consequently, the biasing mechanism 104 is compressed, reducing an axial length x of the biasing mechanism 104. The compression of the biasing mechanism 104 generates a preload force within the biasing mechanism 104.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an example, a printhead-wiping device comprises: a wiper element and a biasing mechanism, the biasing mechanism to bias the wiper element towards a printhead. An actuator may be used to adjust a preload force applied to the biasing mechanism. The preload force applied to the biasing mechanism may be controlled using a controller so as to control a wiping force applied by the wiper element against the printhead.