Ink Absorbent Positioning for Compact Recording Device Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording devices face challenges in achieving a small size and easy maintenance due to the need for sufficient ink absorbents, which increase in size and complexity as the number of printed sheets increases, and are difficult to replace when their ink-absorbing capacity is reached.
Innovation Solution
Positioning liquid absorbents along the transportation path outside the ink ejection area, upstream and downstream of the transportation roller, and using a detachable container to facilitate easy replacement, allowing for a compact design without increasing the device's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ink absorbent is placed in the channels to absorb ejected ink, then ink mist generation is prevented, but the device size increases and profile height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the liquid absorbent along the surface of the transportation path outside the ink ejection area, utilizing the lateral space along the paper transport path rather than placing it directly in the ink ejection zone. This dimensional repositioning allows the absorbent to intercept ink without increasing the vertical profile height of the device, thereby preventing ink mist while maintaining a compact device size.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ink absorbent is placed in the channels to absorb ejected ink, then ink mist generation is prevented, but the device profile height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the liquid absorbent from a vertical placement within the ink ejection area to a horizontal placement along the transportation path surface. This dimensional change allows the absorbent to function effectively while minimizing the vertical profile height of the device, as the absorbent now utilizes the lateral space along the paper transport path instead of occupying vertical space.
3Quantity of substance
If ink absorbent is placed in the channels, then ink absorption is achieved, but replacement of the ink absorbent becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid absorbent from its traditional placement within the ink ejection area and channels, repositioning it along the surface of the transportation path. This extraction and repositioning makes the absorbent easily accessible for replacement without requiring disassembly of the ink ejection system, thereby maintaining effective ink absorption while significantly improving maintenance ease.
4Productivity
If liquid ejection head ejects ink onto recording medium, then printing is achieved, but ink may land outside paper edge causing mist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the liquid absorbent as an intermediary element positioned along the transportation path surface outside the ink ejection area. This intermediary captures any ink that ejects beyond the paper edges, preventing it from forming mist. The absorbent acts as a buffer between the ink ejection process and the surrounding environment, allowing full printing capability while eliminating the harmful mist effect.
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 allows for efficient ink absorption without enlarging the device, maintaining a low profile and enabling easy maintenance by positioning absorbents away from each other, thus reducing the thickness and width required, and allowing for efficient ink flow and absorption.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid absorbent that absorbs the ejected liquid in the area
Data Source
AI summary
A recording device includes a liquid ejection head, a support unit that support a paper sheet, a transportation path along which the paper sheet is reversed and transported, and a transportation roller that transports the paper sheet, wherein a liquid absorbent is provided downstream in the transportation direction of the paper sheet relative to the transportation roller, and liquid absorbents are provided upstream in the transportation direction of the paper sheet relative to the transportation roller, and second liquid absorbent is provided between the liquid absorbent and the liquid absorbent.