Ink Co-Solvent Collection System for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drying devices in image forming apparatuses, such as ink-jet printers, do not effectively collect residual solvents that remain in the air after the drying operation, leading to contamination of downstream components and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A collection system is integrated into the exhaust passage of the image forming apparatus, featuring a condenser and a removable waste bottle, which collects vapor co-solvents and dew condensation from the moist air, with a bifurcated exhaust passage to separate dry air from liquid condensate, directing it to the waste bottle for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a radiant feeder drying device with high heat blast is used to quickly dry ink, then the drying speed is improved, but solvent vapor accumulates in the air and contaminates downstream components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts solvent vapor from the exhaust air stream using a condenser that separates and collects condensible vapor. The condenser removes solvent vapor from the air before discharge, preventing contamination of downstream components while maintaining high drying speed productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (condensable vapor collection medium) between the drying chamber and downstream components. This intermediary captures solvent vapor through condensation, acting as a barrier that prevents vapor from reaching and contaminating downstream mechanical components
2Use of energy by moving object
If exhaust ducts are used to draw out heated air, then the drying efficiency is improved, but solvent vapor attaches onto downstream mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser extracts solvent vapor from the exhaust air stream, removing the harmful component before it can attach to downstream mechanical components. This maintains the exhaust duct's drying efficiency function while eliminating the contamination problem
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers solvent vapor from the exhaust stream by condensing it into liquid form for collection and disposal. This prevents the vapor from being discharged to contaminate downstream components, while maintaining the exhaust system's drying efficiency
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 captures and stores residual solvents, preventing contamination of downstream components and reducing maintenance requirements by ensuring efficient solvent collection and disposal.
Implementation Method 1
The collection system collects vapor co-solvents that are a byproduct of the marking material... The condenser collects dew condensation from the moist air
Implementation Method 2
at least one heating element for drying a substrate printed by the image applying component... lamps that dry the ink on a substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a collection system for collecting vapor co-solvents that are a byproduct of liquid ink. In addition, the collection system collects dew condensation from the moist air that is generated by lamps that dry the ink on a substrate. The collection system can be located in an exhaust passage. A condenser is installed in parallel and in front of an exhaust fan in the exhaust passage. The exhaust fan directs a flow of air through the exhaust passage. The collection system also includes a removable waste bottle for collecting the dew condensation and the condensed co-solvents. The exhaust passage bifurcates into an exhaust duct that is located after the exhaust fan and which discharges dry air and a collection channel that is located in front of the exhaust fan and which carries liquid drip off to the removable waste bottle.