Absorber Segmentation for Rapid Ink Leakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as printers, the time taken to detect ink leakage is prolonged due to the ink needing to permeate through a sheet absorber to a detector, which can delay the detection of leaked ink.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with an absorber featuring a detection portion and extension portions that are designed to quickly absorb and permeate liquid, allowing for rapid detection by a detector, along with a cover to suppress evaporation and a liquid receiving portion to efficiently collect and direct leaked liquid to the absorber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ink absorber is laid over the entire inner bottom surface of the casing, then the detector can detect leaked ink, but it takes time for the ink to permeate into a position detectable by the detector
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber is divided into a detection portion (directly under the detector) and multiple extension portions (extending outward from the detection portion). This segmentation allows the liquid to be absorbed at multiple points simultaneously and quickly transported to the detection portion, reducing detection time while maintaining reliable leakage detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorber structure extends in the width direction from the detection portion, creating a multi-dimensional absorption network. This dimensional expansion increases the effective absorption area without requiring the absorber to cover the entire bottom surface, thus reducing detection time while maintaining detection reliability.
2Reliability
If the absorber covers the entire inner bottom surface, then leaked liquid can be absorbed, but the structure becomes more complex and takes more space
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber is segmented into a detection portion and extension portions, creating a structured but simplified design. This segmentation provides clear functional zones (detection vs. absorption) while reducing the total material needed compared to a full-coverage absorber, thus lowering complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the absorber have specialized functions: the detection portion is positioned for optimal detector contact, while extension portions are strategically placed to intercept liquid from specific leakage points. This local optimization achieves effective absorption without requiring uniform coverage, simplifying the overall structure.
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
Enables quick detection of leaked liquid, even in small amounts, by reducing the time for liquid to permeate from the absorber's extension portions to the detection portion, and prevents erroneous detection due to moisture absorption in high humidity environments.
Implementation Method 1
The absorber includes a detection portion to be detected by the detector and a plurality of extension portions extending from the detection portion... it takes time for the ink to permeate into a position detectable by the detector
Implementation Method 2
a detector capable of detecting the portion of the liquid absorbed by the absorber
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a casing, a liquid ejecting head configured to eject a liquid in the casing, an absorber capable of absorbing a portion of the liquid that has leaked into the casing, and a detector capable of detecting the portion of the liquid absorbed by the absorber. The absorber includes a detection portion to be detected by the detector and a plurality of extension portions extending from the detection portion.