Solvent Flushing Plate for Fluid Jet Orifice Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid jet devices, such as ink jet printers, face issues with clogged orifices due to rapid drying and splattering of ink, leading to residue accumulation and deflection of ink droplets.
Innovation Solution
A solvent flushing apparatus comprising a plate and conduit system that applies pressurized solvent to the orifices to remove accumulated residue, utilizing a solvent flushing plate positioned relative to the jet device with a conduit extending from one external side to the other, terminating in a conduit orifice directed towards the orifices, facilitating the removal of residue through cleaning characteristics and pressurized flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid jet devices operate continuously to eject fluid from orifices, then productivity is improved, but fluid residue accumulates and clogs orifices
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by ejecting solvent through the conduit orifice before the orifices become completely clogged. The solvent flushing apparatus is positioned and configured to proactively remove fluid residue from the orifice area, preventing clogging before it occurs and maintaining continuous operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A solvent is introduced as an intermediary substance between the clogging mechanism and the orifices. The solvent flows through the conduit and is ejected onto the orifices to dissolve and remove fluid residue, acting as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the clogging fluid and the orifice openings
2Reliability
If solvent is applied to remove residue, then orifice畅通性 is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solvent flushing apparatus serves multiple functions: it cleans the orifices, prevents clogging, and can be integrated into the existing fluid jet device structure. The conduit system can be configured to work with different types of fluid jet devices, making the solution universally applicable across various applications
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit is positioned and configured to be integrated within or adjacent to the existing fluid jet device structure. The solvent flushing system is nested alongside the primary fluid ejection system, sharing space and structural elements to minimize overall device complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
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
Effectively removes residue from the orifice area, preventing clogging and deflection of ink droplets, thereby maintaining the operational efficiency of fluid jet devices.
Implementation Method 1
A pressurized solvent fluid is transported through the conduit and ejected from the orifice toward the plurality of orifices of the fluid jet device
Implementation Method 2
The conduit terminates at a conduit orifice that is spaced apart from the first external surface, faces the opening formed in the plate, and is directed toward, or faces, at least in part, the orifices of the fluid jet device
Data Source
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AI summary
A solvent flushing apparatus (110) comprises a plate (112) that has an opening (120) formed therein. The solvent flushing plate may be positioned relative to a fluid jet device (116) so that the opening in the plate coincides with jet orifices (122) of the jet device. The solvent flushing apparatus further comprises a conduit (114) that is adapted to convey fluid therein. The conduit extends from proximate a first external side of the plate or body, and into the plate toward a second external side that is opposite the first external side. The conduit terminates at a conduit orifice (220) that is spaced apart from the first external surface, faces the opening formed in the plate, and is directed toward, i.e, faces, at least in part, the orifices of the fluid jet device. A solvent fluid may be transported through the conduit and ejected from the orifice toward the plurality of orifices of the fluid jet device.