Ultrasonic Endless-Web Wiping for Nozzle Face Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face challenges in effectively cleaning and maintaining the nozzle faces of liquid discharge heads, leading to inefficiencies and potential clogging due to residual liquid and debris accumulation.

Innovation Solution

A wiping device incorporating an endless web and a cleaning liquid tank with an ultrasonic generator is used to clean the nozzle faces, where the web is immersed in cleaning liquid and applies ultrasonic waves to enhance cleaning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wiping methods are used to clean nozzle faces, then the structure is simple, but cleaning effectiveness is insufficient due to residual liquid and debris accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid in the tank, causing cavitation and enhanced cleaning action that effectively removes residual liquid and debris from nozzle faces without requiring complex mechanical wiping mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical wiping systems with an ultrasonic cleaning system where ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the cleaning liquid to achieve effective nozzle cleaning, reducing mechanical complexity while improving cleaning reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If ultrasonic waves are applied to cleaning liquid, then cleaning efficacy is enhanced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficacyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic generator operates continuously during the cleaning process to maintain constant cleaning efficacy, ensuring that ultrasonic waves are always present in the cleaning liquid to prevent and remove debris accumulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls ultrasonic vibration parameters such as frequency and amplitude to optimize cleaning effectiveness while managing energy consumption, adjusting parameters based on cleaning requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 removes residual liquid and debris from nozzle faces, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the liquid discharge heads by utilizing the ultrasonic waves to enhance cleaning efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

The ultrasonic generator applies ultrasonic waves to the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic waves: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS12583223B2Wiping device, head maintenance device, and liquid discharge apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A wiping device includes a cleaning liquid tank, an endless web, and an ultrasonic generator. The cleaning liquid tank stores a cleaning liquid. The endless web is rotatably movable and has a part immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank and another part outside the cleaning liquid to wipe an object in a wiping direction. The ultrasonic generator applies ultrasonic waves to the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank.