Collection Nozzle Airflow Layout to Prevent Printer Ink Mist Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink mist adhesion onto collection nozzles in printers leads to contamination and maintenance issues due to complex airflow disturbances caused by balanced pressures from air blowing and suction, resulting in ink deposition on the printing medium.
Innovation Solution
A printer configuration with separate spaces on either side of the collection nozzle generates unidirectional airflow by pressure from one side only, using the collection nozzle's suction to create moderate airflow layers that prevent ink mist adhesion on the nozzle inner walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressure is given from both sides to generate airflow for efficient mist collection, then mist collection efficiency is improved, but ink mist adhesion onto the collection nozzle occurs due to complex airflow disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air outlet into two separate air outlets (first air outlet and second air outlet) positioned on opposite sides of the collection nozzle. Each air outlet independently generates airflow in opposite directions, creating segmented flow paths that prevent complex disturbances and ink mist adhesion while maintaining efficient mist collection.
2Reliability
If airflow is generated by balancing pressure from air blowing mechanism and suction, then mist collection is achieved, but airflow becomes disturbed and complicated causing maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric pressure application where pressure is given from only one side (either upper or lower) to generate airflow in each space, rather than balancing pressure from both sides. This asymmetric approach simplifies airflow control while preventing complex disturbances that lead to ink mist adhesion and maintenance issues.
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 configuration effectively suppresses ink mist adhesion on the collection nozzle, reducing maintenance needs and preventing contamination of the printing medium.
Implementation Method 1
a collection nozzle disposed on a downstream side in the transfer direction relative to the ejection head, having an air intake opening, which faces the printing medium from one side in a direction orthogonal to the printing medium, and sucking from the air intake opening, an ink mist generated by ejection of ink from the ejection head
Implementation Method 2
pressure (positive pressure) generated by an air blowing mechanism such as a fan, a pump, or the like is given to the first air outlet from the upper side
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The first space and the second space are provided on both the sides of the collection nozzle (4). The first airflow going from the one side toward the other side opposite to the one side in the first space is generated by giving the pressure for generating the first airflow to the first space from only the other side among the one side and the other side. Further, the second airflow going from the one side toward the other side in the second space is generated by giving the pressure for generating the second airflow to the second space from only the other side among the one side and the other side. At that time, the pressure for generating the first airflow and the pressure for generating the second airflow are generated by the collection nozzle sucking from the air intake opening. Then, the first airflow having flowed out from the first space toward the other side flows into the collection nozzle from the air intake opening, and the second airflow having flowed out from the second space toward the other side flows into the collection nozzle from the air intake opening.