Dual Intake Aerosol Extraction for Large Format Printers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large format printing devices generate aerosols during maintenance or printing operations, leading to contamination and potential device failure due to aerosol deposition on surfaces and electrical components, affecting print quality.

Innovation Solution

A device with a dual intake system, comprising a proximal and distal intake segment with varying hole sizes and densities, creates a pressure difference to extract aerosols from the printing zone, with air flow filtered before release, to prevent contamination and maintain device functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If aerosol extraction is implemented using a single intake system, then aerosol removal is achieved, but extraction efficiency is insufficient due to inadequate pressure difference generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol removal efficiencyVSAvoidintake system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intake system is divided into multiple intake segments (first, second, third, and fourth segments) arranged at different positions around the printing zone. Each segment contributes to capturing aerosols from different directions, improving overall extraction efficiency while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different intake segments are positioned at specific locations (front, rear, left, right sides of the printing zone) to create localized pressure differences tailored to the aerosol generation patterns at each position. This localized approach optimizes extraction efficiency without requiring a uniformly complex system throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If multiple intake segments are added to improve aerosol extraction, then extraction efficiency increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol extraction rateVSAvoidintake system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple intake segments serve the same fundamental function of aerosol extraction but are distributed across different positions. This multi-functional arrangement allows a single system to handle aerosols generated at various locations simultaneously, increasing productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If aerosol extraction system is implemented, then print quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases due to continuous air flow generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint qualityVSAvoidair flow generation energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The aerosol extraction system utilizes the natural convection currents and pressure differences created during normal printing operations to drive air flow. The printing process itself generates the air movement needed for aerosol extraction, reducing the need for additional energy-intensive forcing mechanisms while maintaining print quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs pneumatic principles by utilizing pressure differences and air flow dynamics to extract aerosols. By designing the intake segments to capture pressure gradients naturally formed during printing, the system achieves effective aerosol removal with minimal additional energy input compared to active pumping systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Effectively removes aerosols from the printing device, preventing contamination and ensuring reliable operation by maintaining print quality and preventing electrical failures.

Implementation Method 1

creates a pressure difference to extract aerosols from the printing zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3956146B1Aerosol management systems

Publication Date: 2024.01.17 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

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AI summary

Disclosed herein is a device, a printing device and a method of operating a printing device. The device comprises an air flow path extending from an intake to an outlet. The intake is to be mounted in a printing device and comprises a proximal intake segment and a distal intake segment along the air flow path. A proximal air flow path from the proximal intake segment to the outlet is shorter than a distal air flow path from the distal intake segment to the outlet. Each of the proximal and distal intake segments comprises a wall segment with at least one hole. An opening ratio of an area of the at least one hole and an area of the respective wall segment is larger in the distal intake segment than in the proximal intake segment.