Inkjet Recording Head Blade Shielding Ink Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face issues with ink scattering during preparatory ejection due to air bubbles forming in the ink absorber, leading to faulty image recording, and existing solutions like dedicated shield means or suction fans increase the apparatus size and cost.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording apparatus with a movable blade that acts as a shield between the recording and non-recording regions, capable of wiping the ejection ports and positioned to receive ink droplets, preventing them from reaching the recording area during preparatory ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a dedicated shield means is provided to prevent ink scattering during preparatory ejection, then ink scattering prevention is improved, but the apparatus size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed to perform multiple functions: it wipes the ejection port surface to remove foreign matters and thickened ink, and simultaneously acts as a shield to prevent ink scattering during preparatory ejection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate dedicated shield means, thereby preventing ink scattering while avoiding the increase in apparatus size and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function and shielding function are merged into a single blade component. The blade combines the wiping action for cleaning ejection ports with the protective shielding action during preparatory ejection, integrating two previously separate functions into one element to avoid additional apparatus complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a suction fan is provided to absorb and collect ink mist during cleaning operation, then ink scattering prevention is improved, but the apparatus size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blade serves as both a cleaning tool for wiping ejection ports and a shielding mechanism to prevent ink mist scattering. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate suction fan system, achieving ink scattering prevention without increasing apparatus size or cost
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the blade upper edge is positioned at a higher level than the ejection port surface during preparatory ejection, then ink scattering prevention is improved, but the blade may interfere with ink ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The blade position is dynamically adjusted based on the operational mode. During preparatory ejection, the blade upper edge is positioned at a higher level than the ejection port surface to prevent ink scattering. During normal recording operations, the blade position is adjusted to avoid interfering with ink ejection. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize performance for different operational contexts
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
Effectively reduces ink scattering without the need for dedicated shield means or suction fans, maintaining a compact apparatus size and reducing costs while ensuring reliable image recording.
Implementation Method 1
a blade that is placed between the recording region and the cap in a moving direction of the recording head, is the blade being capable of wiping the ejection port of the recording head
Implementation Method 2
preparatory ejection being to eject ink from the ejection port to the cap that is not in the capping state
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an inkjet recording apparatus that performs inkjet recording on a recording medium in a recording region. The inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head that includes an ejection port surface where an ejection port for ejecting ink is provided, is the recording head being movable within a range including the recording region and a non-recording region where the recording is not performed, a cap capable of letting the ejection port in a capping state in the non-recording region, a blade that is placed between the recording region and the cap in a moving direction of the recording head, the blade being capable of wiping the ejection port of the recording head as the recording head moves from the non-recording region to the recording region, a blade moving unit capable of moving the blade up and down, and a control unit that controls the blade moving unit.