Inkjet Head Cooling via Segmented Airflow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printers face reduced cooling efficiency due to dispersed cooling air flows, which can lead to increased temperatures and performance degradation of inkjet heads.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a blower and aspirator system with tubular ducts and plate-shaped straightening tabs, along with inclined members, to concentrate and direct cooling air flows effectively towards inkjet heads, reducing dispersion and enhancing flow speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If two fans are disposed to interpose inkjet heads between them for cooling, then cooling function is provided, but cooling air flow disperses after striking inkjet heads reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple functional components: blowers positioned at both ends of the inkjet head, partition walls dividing the cooling chamber into multiple channels, and aspirators creating localized suction zones. This segmentation prevents air flow dispersion by directing cooling air through defined pathways that maintain velocity and targeting accuracy at the inkjet head surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls create localized cooling channels that direct air flow precisely to specific regions of the inkjet head. Each channel is configured to maintain appropriate air flow velocity and direction, ensuring that cooling is applied locally where heat generation occurs most intensely, rather than allowing diffuse cooling across the entire assembly.
2Temperature
If cooling air flow is increased to improve cooling efficiency, then temperature control improves, but air flow dispersion increases reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling chamber is divided into multiple independent cooling channels by partition walls, each channel handling a portion of the total cooling load. This allows high-volume cooling air flow to be distributed through multiple smaller pathways, maintaining velocity and reducing dispersion while achieving overall effective cooling of the inkjet head.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition walls act as intermediary structures that guide and organize cooling air flow between the blowers and inkjet head. These walls create defined flow paths that prevent direct dispersion of high-velocity air, mediating between the cooling source and target to maintain flow coherence and effectiveness.
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
This configuration improves the cooling efficiency of inkjet heads by congregating cooling air flows and maintaining their speed, thereby preventing temperature increases and maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a blower that blows air to the head row from one side along the head alignment direction
Implementation Method 2
an aspirator that is disposed on an extended line of the head row and on the other side along the head alignment direction, and aspirates air through an aspirator port thereof
Implementation Method 3
the inkjet heads are cooled by a cooling air flow generated by the fans
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printer includes plural inkjet heads that are aligned in a head alignment direction to form a head row, a blower that blows air to the head row from one side along the head alignment direction, and an aspirator that is disposed on an extended line of the head row and on the other side along the head alignment direction for aspirating air through its aspirator port. The aspirator includes a tubular duct that extends from the aspirator port toward the head row.