Inkjet Printer Ink Receptor Suction Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet printers face a challenge in maintaining the size of the apparatus due to the need for a lengthy ink passage and standby space when the ink receptor moves horizontally, which complicates the configuration and increases the overall size of the printer.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a horizontally movable ink receptor with a tray-shaped design and a suction unit featuring suction nozzles above the receptor, which uses a negative pressure tank and air pump to suction ink without the need for a downward extending ink passage, allowing for ink collection while minimizing the apparatus size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an ink passage extends downward from the bottom surface of the ink receptor to allow ink flow by weight, then ink collection is achieved, but the apparatus size increases due to the need for lengthy passages and standby space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink collection functionVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of allowing ink to flow downward by gravity through a long passage, the patent inverts the approach by using upward suction force. The suction unit generates negative pressure to draw ink upward from the ink receptor, eliminating the need for a lengthy downward-extending ink passage and reducing the standby space required below the ink receptor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a suction unit that generates negative pressure to move ink. This pneumatic approach replaces the gravitational flow method, allowing ink to be collected without requiring a long vertical passage and reducing the overall apparatus volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ink receptor moves horizontally between positions below the inkjet head and retreated positions, then maintenance operation is enabled, but the ink passage complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance operation capabilityVSAvoidink passage configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the ink passage configuration by inverting the flow direction control. Instead of using complex valves and passages to manage ink flow during horizontal movement, the suction unit continuously draws ink upward, maintaining simple passage geometry regardless of the ink receptor's horizontal position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction unit serves multiple functions: it collects ink from the moving ink receptor, maintains proper ink levels, and operates throughout the entire horizontal movement range. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for position-specific ink passage configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for effective ink collection from the ink receptors without increasing the printer's size, as the suction nozzles above the ink receptor eliminate the need for a lengthy ink passage, simplifying the internal layout and reducing the overall dimensions of the printer.

Implementation Method 1

a suction unit including at least one suction nozzle arranged above the bottom plate within a movable range of the at least one ink receptor, the suction unit configured to suction the ink in the at least one ink receptor through the opening with the at least one suction nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pump: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3381694B1Inkjet printer with ink receptor for receiving ink as waste liquid

Publication Date: 2021.01.27 RISO KAGAKU CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

An inkjet printer includes: at least one ink receptor having a tray shape with a bottom plate and an opening facing upward and being horizontally movable; and a suction unit. The at least one ink receptor is configured to receive ink ejected from at least one inkjet head as waste liquid. The suction unit includes at least one suction nozzle arranged above the bottom plate within a movable range of the at least one ink receptor and is configured to suction the ink in the at least one ink receptor through the opening with the at least one suction nozzle.