UV Inkjet Head Purging During Printing to Prevent Nozzle Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nozzle clogging occurs in printers using light-curable ink due to ink remaining in the nozzles during printing operations, as the ink is not effectively discharged during image recording.
Innovation Solution
A printer design that includes a carriage supporting a head and a lamp, with an ink recovering mechanism, controlled by a controller to move the head to a predetermined position during the printing period, eject light-curable ink towards the recovering mechanism, and recover it, preventing nozzle clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the head ejects light-curable ink onto the printing object during printing operations, then the image recording function is achieved, but the ink remaining in the nozzles cures and clogs the nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by positioning the head at a predetermined position during the printing period and ejecting ink toward the ink recovering mechanism before the printing operation completes. This proactive ink discharge prevents the ink from curing and clogging the nozzles, while maintaining continuous printing operations without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies discarding and recovering by ejecting the remaining ink from the nozzles toward the ink recovering mechanism during printing operations. The ink recovering mechanism captures and recovers this discharged ink, preventing nozzle clogging while minimizing ink waste. This resolves the contradiction by continuously clearing nozzles during printing without stopping the main printing process.
2Loss of substance
If the ink is discharged from the head during maintenance only, then the ink can be recovered, but the ink remains in the nozzles during printing and cures to cause clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuity of useful action by continuously discharging ink from the nozzles during the entire printing period, not just during maintenance. The controller is configured to position the head at the predetermined position and eject ink toward the recovering mechanism throughout printing operations, ensuring continuous nozzle clearing and maintaining reliable nozzle functionality throughout the printing process.
3Reliability
If the head is moved to discharge ink during printing, then nozzle clogging is prevented, but additional time is required for head movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses preliminary action by positioning the head at the predetermined position during the printing period itself, integrating the ink discharge operation into the printing timeline. The controller manages the head movement and ink ejection timing to occur within the printing period, preventing nozzle clogging without requiring separate maintenance interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically managing the ink discharge process during printing operations. The controller monitors the printing state and autonomously positions the head and triggers ink ejection toward the recovering mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention or separate maintenance cycles, thus preventing nozzle clogging without sacrificing printing efficiency.
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 printer effectively discharges light-curable ink remaining in nozzles during printing, preventing nozzle clogging and ensuring continuous operation by immediately recovering excess ink.
Implementation Method 1
a lamp configured to irradiate the printing object, on which the light-curable ink ejected from the head is adhered, with light
Implementation Method 2
an ink recovering mechanism facing a predetermined position within a predetermined area where the head is movable with movement of the carriage, and configured to recover the light-curable ink ejected from the head
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a platen, a head which ejects light-curable ink to a printing object placed on the platen, a lamp which irradiates the printing object, on which the light-curable ink ejected from the head is adhered, with light, a carriage which supports the head and the lamp and which moves the head and the lamp in a main scanning direction, an ink recovering mechanism which faces a predetermined position within a predetermined area where the head is movable with movement of the carriage and which recovers the light-curable ink ejected from the head, and a controller which controls the head, the lamp, the carriage, and the ink recovering mechanism.