Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Ink Deposit Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid ejecting apparatuses face issues with deposits forming due to solidification of solutions in accommodation containers, leading to reduced functionality and service life, as solidified ink or solute components cannot be effectively redissolved or removed.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus is designed with a scraper that removes solution from a rotational body, which is then stored in a liquid storage section where it can be redissolved, along with a waste liquid recovery system to extend the service life of the accommodation container, and a moisturizing liquid supply section to prevent solidification on the liquid receiving surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the waste container accommodates scraped ink without a liquid storage section, then the structure is simple, but solidified ink forms deposits that cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid storage section is introduced as an intermediary component between the scraping mechanism and the waste container. This liquid storage section receives scraped ink and maintains a liquid environment that prevents solidification, thereby eliminating deposits while adding minimal structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the ink is changed from solidified to liquid by introducing a liquid storage section that maintains moisture. This parameter change (from solid to liquid state) prevents deposit formation and allows continuous operation without clogging
2Ease of operation
If the accommodation container is used continuously without liquid replenishment, then the operation is simple, but the service life is reduced due to solidification
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage section automatically replenishes the liquid environment needed to prevent solidification. The system self-regulates by maintaining moisture levels through the liquid storage section, extending service life without requiring complex external intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid storage section is pre-filled with liquid that prevents solidification before the scraping process begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that scraped ink remains in liquid state throughout operation, extending the container's service life
3Quantity of substance
If the liquid storage section is filled to the top, then the redissolving capacity is maximized, but the waste liquid cannot be drained
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage section is segmented into an upper liquid storage zone and a lower drainage zone separated by a liquid outlet. This segmentation allows the container to hold maximum liquid for redissolving solidified ink while enabling waste liquid to drain through the outlet at the bottom
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid outlet is positioned at a lower dimension (bottom of the container) relative to the liquid storage section. This vertical arrangement allows gravity-driven drainage of waste liquid while maintaining liquid storage capacity in the upper portion
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 solution effectively suppresses the formation of deposits by redissolving solidified solute components, extends the service life of the accommodation container, and prevents solidification on the liquid receiving surface, ensuring continuous operation and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The accommodation container has a liquid storage section that stores a liquid which can dissolve a solute component of the solution
Implementation Method 2
a scraper that can come into sliding contact with the circumferential surface of the rotational body
Implementation Method 3
The liquid stored in the liquid storage section is drained to the waste liquid recovery passage via the liquid outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ejecting head that can eject a solution; a rotational body that has a circumferential surface which can accommodate the solution ejected from the ejecting head; a scraper that can come into sliding contact with the circumferential surface of the rotational body; and an accommodation container that accommodates the solution which is scraped off from the circumferential surface by the scraper. The accommodation container has a liquid storage section that stores a liquid which can dissolve a solute component of the solution.