Inkjet Head Suction Duct for Ink Mist Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording apparatuses require multiple components, including a dedicated fan, to effectively suck ink mist, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording apparatus that uses a conveying device with a recording-medium support surface featuring multiple holes to attach the recording medium, where a suction device sucks air through these holes to attach the medium and also collects ink mist using a duct with strategically positioned openings to reduce the need for a dedicated fan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated fan is used to suck ink mist, then ink mist collection is effective, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ink mist suction function with the recording medium conveyance function by using the same suction device and duct system. The duct is positioned to simultaneously serve both purposes: conveying the recording medium through its support surface and sucking ink mist through its downstream opening, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated fan and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device and duct are designed to perform multiple functions: the duct acts as both a conveyance channel for the recording medium and a suction pathway for ink mist. The downstream opening of the duct serves dual purposes by allowing both medium passage and ink mist extraction, making the system more efficient and less complex
2Productivity
If air suction is used to attach recording medium to conveying belt, then conveying is achieved, but a dedicated fan for ink mist suction is also required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conveying and ink mist suction functions into a single integrated system. The same suction device that attaches the recording medium to the conveying belt also collects ink mist, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated fan and reducing the total number of components required in the system
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 reduces the number of components required, simplifies the system, and effectively collects ink mist without a dedicated fan, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device configured to suck air through the holes to attach the recording medium to the recording-medium support surface
Implementation Method 2
a duct including a first opening opposing the holes through which the suction device sucks air, and a second opening disposed on a downstream side of the inkjet head
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus may include at least one inkjet head configured to eject ink onto a recording medium. The inkjet recording apparatus may also include a conveying device configured to convey the recording medium in a conveying direction, the conveying device including a recording-medium support surface that opposes the inkjet head and includes a plurality of holes. The inkjet recording apparatus may further include a suction device configured to suck air through the holes to attach the recording medium to the recording-medium support surface. The inkjet recording apparatus may yet further include a duct including an opposing opening that opposes the suction device via the recording-medium support surface, and a non-opposing opening that does not oppose the suction device.