Ink Maintenance Foam Rib Structure to Prevent Nozzle Ink Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image recording apparatuses, ink absorbed by the foam in the maintenance apparatus can dry and solidify, reducing its absorption capacity and potentially causing ink accumulation on the nozzle surface.
Innovation Solution
The maintenance apparatus includes an annular rib to support the foam, preventing liquid from solidifying by directing it into a designated space, and incorporates a suction pump to manage the liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a foam is used to absorb liquid discharged from the nozzle, then the liquid can be absorbed, but the foam may come into contact with the liquid to be cleaned and deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The foam is divided into multiple layers with different functions: an upper foam layer for absorbing cleaning liquid and a lower foam layer for absorbing discharge liquid. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without the cleaning liquid coming into contact with and deteriorating the foam structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid-impermeable barrier layer is introduced between the upper foam layer and the lower foam layer. This intermediary barrier prevents the cleaning liquid from penetrating into the lower foam layer, thereby protecting it from deterioration while still allowing the upper layer to absorb cleaning liquid effectively.
2Ease of manufacture
If the accommodating box has an upper surface, then it provides structural closure, but it cannot be disposed of in a trash can
Solution Approach 1:
The upper surface of the accommodating box is removed entirely. Instead of providing structural closure through a solid upper surface, the design uses the liquid-impermeable barrier layer and the configuration of the foam layers to contain the liquids, making the box open at the top for easy disposal in trash cans.
3Loss of substance
If the foam absorbs discharge liquid, then the liquid is captured, but the foam deteriorates due to contact with the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The foam structure is segmented into two distinct layers: the upper foam layer contacts and absorbs cleaning liquid, while the lower foam layer is positioned to absorb discharge liquid from the nozzle. This vertical segmentation ensures that each foam layer handles only the liquid it is designed to absorb, preventing deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid-impermeable barrier layer acts as an intermediary between the upper foam layer and the lower foam layer, preventing cleaning liquid from reaching the lower foam layer. This barrier ensures that the lower foam layer remains intact and capable of absorbing discharge liquid without deteriorating.
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
Prevents ink solidification within the foam, maintaining its absorption capacity and avoiding ink accumulation on the nozzle surface.
Implementation Method 1
a foam (52) configured to absorb the liquid discharged from the nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a maintenance apparatus (50) for an image recording apparatus (10) provided with a head (42) having a nozzle (44) configured to discharge a liquid. The maintenance apparatus includes: a foam (52) configured to absorb the liquid discharged from the nozzle; and an accommodating box (51) which does not have an upper surface and which accommodates the foam. An inner bottom surface of the accommodating box has a rib (71) supporting a bottom surface of the foam. A space (75) is formed by the bottom surface of the foam, the rib, and a part of the inner bottom surface of the accommodating box.