Inkjet Discharge Head Airflow Slit for Mist and Ripple Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face issues with ink mist formation and wind ripple patterns due to ink droplets being disturbed by airflow, leading to internal staining and increased size, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a liquid discharge apparatus with a conveyor, discharge head, airflow generator, and slit configuration that generates a controlled downward airflow to prevent mist formation and stabilize ink droplet landing, using fans and slits to maintain positive pressure and adjust airflow volume, direction, and opening area based on printing rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If airflow is generated to prevent ink mist formation, then ink mist staining is reduced, but wind ripple patterns occur that disturb ink droplet landing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different airflow conditions in different spatial zones: a first airflow is generated in the region between the ink discharge unit and medium to prevent mist formation, while a second airflow with different characteristics is generated in the region above the medium to prevent wind ripple patterns. This localized differentiation of airflow properties allows simultaneous resolution of both harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow generation system is segmented into multiple independent airflow sources that can be controlled separately. The patent divides the airflow control into distinct zones with different airflow parameters, allowing independent optimization of mist prevention and wind ripple prevention without compromising either function.
2Reliability
If larger housing is used to accommodate airflow generation components, then airflow control effectiveness is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the housing structure: the housing serves both as the enclosure for the ink discharge unit and as the airflow generation chamber. By integrating the airflow generation function into the existing housing rather than adding separate components, the design achieves effective airflow control without proportionally increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it encloses the ink discharge unit, generates controlled airflow patterns, and maintains compact dimensions. This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to contribute to both protection and active airflow management without requiring additional space.
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 mist from staining the printer interior and reduces the risk of wind ripple patterns while maintaining a compact size, enhancing the efficiency and quality of ink application on the medium.
Implementation Method 1
The airflow generator generates an airflow flowing through the housing and discharged from the slit toward the conveyance path
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a conveyance path, a conveyor, and a liquid discharger. The conveyor conveys a medium in a conveyance direction along the conveyance path. The liquid discharger is disposed above the conveyance path to discharge a liquid toward the medium conveyed by the conveyor. The liquid discharger includes a discharge head, a housing, an airflow generator, and slit. The discharge head has a nozzle from which the liquid is discharged. The housing accommodates the discharge head. The housing has a lower face from which the nozzle of the discharge head is exposed and a slit adjacent to the discharge head in the lower face of the housing. The airflow generator generates an airflow flowing through the housing and discharged from the slit toward the conveyance path.