Liquid Discharge Apparatus Electrostatic Mist Collector
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid discharge apparatuses, ink mist smaller than droplets is scattered, leading to inefficiencies in collection and potential environmental contamination, as existing collection devices are inadequate in effectively capturing and managing this fine mist.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a mist collector with a conductive mist collection portion and connection portions connected to electrodes for electrostatic collection, combined with a cleaning liquid application system to remove mist from the collection surface, utilizing a nonconductive covering and adhesive to prevent short circuits and rust, and a rotatable design with a cleaning blade for continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional collection device is used to collect ink mist, then the device structure is simple, but the mist collection efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical filtration systems with an electrostatic collection system. The conductive mist collection portion works with electrodes to create electric fields that attract and collect ink mist particles, significantly improving collection efficiency without requiring complex mechanical structures. This substitution of electrostatic forces for mechanical filtration resolves the contradiction between simple structure and high efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the collection surface from non-conductive to conductive material. This parameter change enables the surface to work with electrostatic fields for mist collection, dramatically improving collection efficiency while maintaining relatively simple device architecture. The conductive property allows charge accumulation and electrostatic attraction of mist particles.
2Reliability
If the mist collection surface is kept clean continuously, then the collection efficiency is maintained, but the device requires complex cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a cleaning liquid application system that automatically cleans the mist collection surface. The cleaning liquid is applied to the conductive collection surface to remove accumulated ink mist, and the system maintains continuous operation without manual intervention. This self-cleaning mechanism ensures reliable collection surface effectiveness while avoiding complex manual cleaning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system operates continuously or periodically to maintain the mist collection surface effectiveness. By applying cleaning liquid continuously or at regular intervals, the system ensures the collection surface remains effective without stopping operation, maintaining reliability while using a relatively simple cleaning mechanism.
3Productivity
If conductive material is used for the mist collection portion, then electrostatic collection is enabled, but short circuits and rust may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mist collection system into distinct segments: the conductive mist collection portion for electrostatic collection, and separate connection portions with nonconductive coverings for electrical connections. This segmentation allows the conductive surface to perform electrostatic collection while the nonconductive covered connections prevent short circuits, resolving the contradiction between electrostatic capability and electrical safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different locations: the mist collection surface uses conductive material for electrostatic collection, while the connection portions use nonconductive coverings to prevent short circuits. This local differentiation of material quality enables both electrostatic collection effectiveness and electrical safety, preventing rust and short circuits in connection areas.
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 significantly enhances mist collection efficiency, prevents environmental scattering, and maintains the mist collection surface's effectiveness over time by using electrostatic forces and cleaning liquids to remove and scrape off ink mist, ensuring reliable operation and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The mist collection portion is formed of a conductive material to collect a mist of the liquid on a surface of the mist collection portion. The electrode is connected to the connection portion to apply a voltage to the mist collection portion through the connection portion.
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning liquid applier applies a cleaning liquid to the surface of the mist collection portion to remove the mist from the surface of the mist collection portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid discharge head, a mist collector, an electrode, and a cleaning liquid applier. The liquid discharge head discharges a liquid. The mist collector includes a mist collection portion and a connection portion. The mist collection portion is formed of a conductive material to collect a mist of the liquid on a surface of the mist collection portion. The connection portion is disposed at each end of the mist collection portion. The electrode is connected to the connection portion to apply a voltage to the mist collection portion through the connection portion. The cleaning liquid applier applies a cleaning liquid to the surface of the mist collection portion to remove the mist from the surface of the mist collection portion.