Inkjet Mist Filter Wetting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink mist collection filters in inkjet apparatuses tend to clog due to ink adhesion, especially with pigment inks, leading to reduced effectiveness over time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mist collection unit with a filter and a liquid supply system that maintains the filter in a wet state using a liquid different from the ink, such as pure water, to prevent adhesion and clogging, while also washing off captured ink mist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter made of a porous body is used to capture ink mist, then the mist collection efficiency is improved, but the filter clogs due to ink adhesion over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a liquid (such as water or surfactant solution) as an intermediary substance that coats the filter surface. This liquid layer acts as a mediator between the ink mist and the filter, preventing direct adhesion of pigment particles to the filter pores. The liquid reduces surface tension and creates a barrier that repels ink droplets, thereby maintaining filter permeability and extending service life while preserving mist collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface properties of the filter by applying liquids that modify surface tension and wettability parameters. By controlling the liquid composition and application frequency, the filter surface parameters are optimized to repel ink adhesion. This parameter change approach allows the filter to maintain its porous structure's mist-capturing capability while preventing clogging through altered surface interaction properties.
2Reliability
If the filter is kept wet to prevent ink adhesion, then filter clogging is suppressed, but additional liquid supply system complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the liquid supply system automatically monitors and replenishes liquid to the filter based on predetermined conditions or schedules. The system includes sensors or controllers that detect liquid levels or flow rates, and automatically activate the liquid supply pump when thresholds are reached. This self-regulating approach minimizes manual intervention and reduces operational complexity while maintaining consistent filter wetness for optimal anti-clogging performance.
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 approach effectively suppresses filter clogging, maintaining the filter's air permeability and mist collection efficiency over a long period by keeping the filter wet and cleaning it as needed.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid supply portion configured to supply liquid to the filter
Implementation Method 2
the ink mist can deposit on the porous body and clog up the filter due to ink adhesion
Data Source
AI summary
A collection unit configured to collect ink mist generated due to a discharge of ink from a head configured to discharge the ink includes a filter for capturing the ink mist and a liquid supply portion configured to supply a liquid to the filter.