Wiper System With Selective Liquid Dispensing For Print Head Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print apparatuses face challenges in effectively removing excess print fluid from print heads, particularly when dealing with solidified substances, as existing wiping systems lack the necessary force and material attributes to handle different types of serviceable issues efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A wiper system with adjustable blades made of different materials and compression attributes, combined with a liquid dispenser that selectively applies cleaning liquids, allows for varying wiping forces and operations to address different service scenarios, including wet and dry wiping operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single wiping system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle different service scenarios (wet and dry wiping) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wiping system is divided into multiple independent wiper blades (first wiper blade, second wiper blade) that can be selectively positioned. Each blade can be independently raised to a service position, allowing the system to handle different service scenarios by activating only the necessary components rather than requiring a complex integrated system for all scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper blades are designed with adjustable positions between a rest position and a service position. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt its configuration based on the specific service scenario, enabling versatility without requiring permanent complex structures for all possible operations.
2Measurement precision
If wiper blades are positioned close to the liquid dispenser, then liquid application precision is improved, but the risk of liquid spray interference with blade operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid dispenser is configured to spray liquid onto the wiper blade before the blade is raised to the service position. This preliminary application of liquid ensures the blade is properly conditioned for wiping operations while allowing the blade to be positioned at an optimal distance from the dispenser, avoiding interference during the actual wiping process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system design anticipates potential liquid spray interference by positioning the wiper blade at an optimized distance from the liquid dispenser. This spatial arrangement cushions against harmful effects by ensuring that liquid spray does not interfere with blade operation while still achieving adequate liquid application for effective wiping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wiper blades are used with different materials, then the ability to address different serviceable issues is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different wiper blades are made from different materials (e.g., cloth, foam, rubber) with specific local properties suited for different service scenarios. The first wiper blade may use a material optimized for wet wiping while the second blade uses material suited for dry wiping, allowing each blade to excel at its specific function without requiring a single complex multi-functional blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple blades that can be selectively deployed. The system can perform both wet wiping and dry wiping operations by raising the appropriate blade to the service position, providing universal service capability while maintaining relatively simple individual blade structures.
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 enables efficient removal of excess print fluid, including solidified substances, by adjusting blade positions and applying appropriate forces and liquids, extending the life of print heads and improving print quality.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid dispenser to spray liquid over a wiper blade
Implementation Method 2
A wiper system with adjustable blades made of different materials and compression attributes, combined with a liquid dispenser that selectively applies cleaning liquids, allows for varying wiping forces and operations
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a wiper system includes a first wiper blade, a second wiper blade, and a liquid dispenser. In that example, the liquid dispenser is oriented to eject liquid towards a cloth area across from the first wiper blade when the first wiper blade is in a rest position and the second wiper blade is in a service position.