Printing Device Fluid Leakage Control via Switching Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing devices experience fluid leakage due to changes in orientation, which affect the contact state between the holding member and the transfer member, leading to variations in fluid supply and potential leaks during transport and usage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a switching unit that allows the holding member and transfer member to switch between a communicating and non-communicating state, ensuring controlled fluid transfer to the wiper and minimizing leakage by adjusting the capillary forces and fluid quantities based on the device's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the holding member and transfer member are in continuous contact to ensure fluid supply, then the wiper can continuously receive head fluid for wiping, but fluid leaks occur due to pressure changes from orientation variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between communicating and non-communicating states based on operational requirements. During transport, the switching unit separates the holding member and transfer member to prevent leakage. During wiping operation, the switching unit connects them to enable fluid supply, creating a dynamic adaptation to different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching unit changes the communication parameter between holding member and transfer member from connected to disconnected state. This parameter change controls the fluid flow path, enabling the system to transition between fluid supply mode and leakage prevention mode based on operational conditions.
2Loss of substance
If the holding member and transfer member are separated to prevent fluid leakage, then fluid loss is minimized during transport, but fluid supply to the wiper is interrupted when the device is in use
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit enables dynamic reconfiguration of the fluid path. During transport, it maintains separation to prevent leakage. During wiping operation, it establishes connection between holding member and transfer member, ensuring fluid supply reliability when needed without permanent disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically transitions between disconnected (transport) and connected (wiping) states. The switching unit controls these periodic transitions, separating components during transport phases and connecting them during wiping phases, allowing the system to alternate between leakage prevention and fluid supply modes.
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 solution effectively suppresses fluid leakage during transport and ensures adequate fluid supply for wiping the print head's ejection openings when the device is in use, maintaining image quality and preventing fluid loss.
Implementation Method 1
the capillary force of the transfer member causes the head fluid held in the holding member to rise up and be transferred to the wiper
Data Source
AI summary
A printing device able to suppress the leakage of head fluid is provided. The printing device includes: a print head having an ejection opening face on which are formed ejection openings that eject ink; a wiper that wipes the ejection opening face; a holding member that holds head fluid; a transfer member that transfers the head fluid held in the holding member to the wiper; and a switching unit configured to switch between a communicating state in which the holding member and the transfer member communicate, and a non-communicating state in which the holding member and the transfer member do not communicate.