Contactless Inkjet Print Head Cleaner Using Venturi Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning inkjet print heads are inefficient and can damage the orifice plate, as they often require contact with mechanical means or liquids, which can lead to sediment buildup and reduced printing quality.
Innovation Solution
A contactless inkjet print head cleaner system using an elongated slab with parallel channels and spacers, coupled with a pressurized cleaning gas medium and suction duct, which creates a Venturi effect to remove purged ink without contacting the orifice plate, thereby preventing sediment buildup and maintaining the non-wetting characteristic of the orifice surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical wiping or liquid cleaning is used on the orifice plate, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the orifice plate surface is damaged and sediment buildup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wiping systems with a pneumatic system using a vacuum head that creates negative pressure to suction purged ink from the orifice plate surface without physical contact, eliminating mechanical damage and sediment generation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a vacuum head connected to a vacuum source that creates a pressure differential to draw purged ink away from the orifice plate through suction, using pneumatic forces instead of mechanical contact for cleaning
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vacuum suction is used without contact to the orifice plate, then the orifice plate is protected from damage, but cleaning efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid barrier (liquid layer) between the vacuum head and the orifice plate that transmits the vacuum force while preventing direct contact, allowing efficient suction of purged ink without mechanical damage to the delicate orifice surface
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a vacuum head that creates negative pressure to suction purged ink through a fluid medium, transferring the cleaning force pneumatically without mechanical contact to maintain both protection and efficiency
3Ease of operation
If manual cleaning methods are used, then accessibility is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated cleaning system where the vacuum head is integrated into the print head assembly itself, enabling self-cleaning during or between printing operations without requiring manual removal or intervention, thus reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation
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 system achieves efficient cleaning of inkjet print heads by removing purged ink without mechanical contact, reducing sediment buildup, and preserving the interfacial tension between the printing side and the jetted ink, thus maintaining high printing quality and extending the lifespan of the orifice plate.
Implementation Method 1
A contactless inkjet print head cleaner system using an elongated slab with parallel channels and spacers, coupled with a pressurized cleaning gas medium and suction duct, which creates a Venturi effect to remove purged ink without contacting the orifice plate
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for contactless maintenance of inkjet print heads. Specifically, the disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for removing purged ink from inkjet print head without contacting the aperture plate by drawing vacuum, with liquids or other mechanical means, such as wipes.