Liquid Ejector Two-Fluid Cleaning for Solidified Nozzle Clogs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inkjet printers face challenges in efficiently resolving nozzle clogging, particularly when using ink that solidifies, as conventional cleaning methods are ineffective in reaching and dissolving solidified ink within the nozzle.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejecting apparatus that employs a two-fluid ejecting mechanism, where a mixed fluid of droplets smaller than the nozzle opening and gas is used to efficiently clear clogs by colliding with the clogged ink, utilizing pure water or antiseptic-infused water to prevent adverse effects and decay, and pressurizing the internal nozzle chamber to control fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If detergent is discharged in the form of a fog to be applied to the nozzle and peripheral portion, then the detergent can permeate and dissolve solidified ink, but it takes time for the detergent to reach the solidified ink in the internal portion of the nozzle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent application coverageVSAvoidtime for detergent to reach solidified ink

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid ejecting section divides the detergent delivery into multiple stages: first ejecting a small amount of detergent to the nozzle opening, then subsequently ejecting additional detergent into the internal portion. This segmented approach ensures both surface coverage and deep penetration without excessive waiting time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary ejection of detergent to the nozzle opening area before the main detergent delivery to the internal portion. This preliminary action prepares the path and ensures immediate coverage while the main detergent flow follows to address the internal clog.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If conventional cleaning is performed to suction and remove thickened ink and air bubbles, then peripheral clogging can be addressed, but clogging in the internal portion of the nozzle cannot be resolved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning operation effectivenessVSAvoidnozzle clogging resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of only suctioning from the nozzle opening as in conventional cleaning, the system inverts the approach by actively ejecting detergent into the internal portion of the nozzle from the opening, allowing the detergent to travel inward and dissolve clogs that suction cannot reach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The detergent acts as an intermediary substance that is ejected into the nozzle internal portion to mediate between the cleaning system and the solidified ink clog. The detergent dissolves the clog chemically, enabling removal that mechanical suction alone cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Force

If droplets of liquid are ejected at high speed to collide with clogged portions, then kinetic energy can break up solidified ink, but the liquid may advance too deeply into the nozzle internal portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekinetic energy of dropletsVSAvoiddepth of liquid penetration into nozzle

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system ejects a controlled partial amount of liquid at high speed to generate sufficient kinetic energy for breaking up clogs, but limits the total volume to prevent excessive penetration. The liquid is ejected with enough force to collide effectively but in quantities that self-limit the penetration depth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs multiple sequential ejections of liquid at high speed rather than a single continuous flow. Each ejection provides kinetic energy for clog breakdown, and the intermittent nature allows the liquid to be replenished and re-ejected, maintaining effective action without allowing deep penetration from a single continuous stream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This approach effectively resolves nozzle clogging by using the kinetic energy of the small droplets to break up solidified ink, while preventing fluid from advancing deeper into the nozzle and minimizing adverse interactions with the ink, ensuring efficient cleaning and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing the kinetic energy of small droplets to break up solidified ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy:

Implementation Method 2

the small droplets collide with the clogged ink, effectively breaking up the solidified material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

pressurizing the internal nozzle chamber to control fluid flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 4

minimizing adverse interactions with the ink, ensuring efficient cleaning and maintenance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Data Source

PatentUS20200139714A1Maintenance method of liquid ejecting apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.05.07 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting section that is capable of ejecting a first liquid from an opening of a nozzle with respect to media; and a two-fluid ejecting apparatus that is capable of ejecting at least one of a gas and a second liquid with respect to the liquid ejecting section.