Variable Velocity Cleaning Element for Print Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print apparatus components such as rollers and drums become contaminated with print agent residues and machine oils, leading to inefficient and non-uniform cleaning, which can result in print quality issues and reduced lifespan due to defects in cleaning surfaces and trapped particles.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a cleaning element with a variable relative velocity component, allowing for a diagonal wiping motion that changes direction during cleaning, ensuring that defective areas are displaced and effectively cleaning the entire surface, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a cleaning element with fixed velocity is used, then the structure is simple, but cleaning uniformity deteriorates due to defects in cleaning surfaces and trapped particles
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element is designed with variable velocity capability, allowing it to change speed during operation. This dynamic adjustment enables defective areas to be displaced and prevents trapped particles from creating streak patterns, thereby improving cleaning uniformity without requiring perfect manufacturing of the cleaning surface
Solution Approach 2:
The velocity parameter of the cleaning element is made variable rather than fixed. By changing the velocity during the cleaning process, the system compensates for defects in the cleaning surface and ensures uniform cleaning across the entire drum surface
2Productivity
If a cleaning element with variable relative velocity is used, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element operates with periodic velocity variations rather than continuous high-speed operation. The velocity is adjusted periodically to displace defective areas and maintain cleaning effectiveness, reducing overall energy consumption while preserving cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning element uses dynamic velocity adjustment only when necessary to displace defective areas, rather than maintaining high variable velocity throughout the entire operation. This selective dynamic operation improves cleaning efficiency while minimizing additional energy consumption
3Manufacturing precision
If a cleaning element with variable relative velocity is used, then cleaning uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element incorporates variable velocity capability through a controlled mechanism that adjusts speed during operation. This dynamic feature improves cleaning uniformity by displacing defective areas, while the control system is designed to manage the added complexity efficiently
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 enhances cleaning efficiency and uniformity, reduces streaks on printed images, and extends the operational life of cleaning elements by ensuring that all areas are cleaned effectively, even with defects present in the cleaning surface.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning element (202, 602, 702) having a cleaning surface (208, 604, 704) in contact with the print apparatus component (210, 802), wherein the cleaning element (202, 602, 702) is driven such that the cleaning surface (208, 604, 704) has a component of motion which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the print apparatus component (210, 802)
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method includes rotating a print apparatus component to be cleaned about a first rotational axis. A cleaning element having a cleaning surface in contact with the print apparatus component may be driven such that the cleaning surface has a component of motion which is parallel to the first rotational axis in a contact region. A relative velocity of the cleaning element and the print apparatus component may be varied during a cleaning operation.