Aerosol Extractor With Curved Guide for Inkjet Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aerosol extraction systems in inkjet printers face issues such as media strikes, reduced print quality, and blockages due to close nozzle placement and increased suction, which can lead to contamination and system downtime.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol extractor with an air knife and suction nozzle positioned upstream of the knife slot, utilizing a curved guide surface to direct aerosol into a suction channel, leveraging the Coanda effect for effective aerosol extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If suction nozzles are placed close to the media path to extract ink aerosol, then aerosol extraction effectiveness is improved, but the risk of media strikes increases causing print quality reduction and system downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a curved guide surface as an intermediary element between the media path and suction nozzle. This guide surface redirects aerosol flow into the suction nozzle without requiring the nozzle to be positioned close to the media path, thereby maintaining extraction effectiveness while eliminating media strike risks
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial arrangement by positioning the suction nozzle in a different dimensional location (upstream and elevated position) rather than close to the media path. The curved guide surface creates a three-dimensional aerosol redirection path that achieves effective extraction without close proximity to the media
2Productivity
If suction is increased to improve aerosol extraction, then aerosol removal effectiveness is improved, but dehydration of inkjet nozzles increases and excessive airflow causes print quality defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a curved guide surface that selectively redirects aerosol flow into the suction nozzle while leaving the main media path and print zone unaffected. This localized aerosol redirection enables effective extraction without creating excessive airflow through the print zone that would cause print quality defects
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts aerosol from the boundary layer using a curved guide surface that channels it into a suction nozzle positioned upstream. This extraction method removes aerosol effectively without requiring increased suction that would cause dehydration of inkjet nozzles and print quality issues
3Productivity
If suction nozzles are used in conventional aerosol extractors, then aerosol extraction is achieved, but blockages with dehydrated ink and paper dust occur reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a curved guide surface to redirect aerosol flow into the suction nozzle before the aerosol can contain significant amounts of dehydrated ink and paper dust. This upstream positioning and preliminary redirection prevents blockages by extracting aerosol earlier in the process when contamination levels are lower
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 effectively removes aerosol from the media surface without media strikes and blockages, maintaining print quality and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
an air knife having a knife slot for directing a flow of air towards print media
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a curved guide surface to direct aerosol into a suction channel, leveraging the Coanda effect for effective aerosol extraction
Implementation Method 3
a suction nozzle positioned upstream of the knife slot for directing aerosol into a suction channel
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printing system includes: a printhead positioned over a media feed path; and an aerosol extractor positioned downstream of the printhead relative to a media feed direction. The aerosol extractor includes: an air knife having a knife slot for directing a flow of air towards print media; and a suction nozzle positioned upstream of the knife slot for directing aerosol into a suction channel.