Layered Waste Ink Airflow Path for Mist Separation in Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording apparatuses face inefficiencies in collecting and containing waste ink, particularly misty ink, which can lead to internal contamination and reduced collection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a waste ink container with a defined suction airflow path and absorption member composed of multiple layers, including an intermediate layer with smaller openings, to separate and absorb misty ink effectively, enhancing collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a suction mechanism is used to collect waste ink, then ink collection is achieved, but misty ink causes internal contamination and reduces collection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The waste ink container is divided into multiple functional zones: a storage area for collected ink, a suction area with airflow paths for mist separation, and an absorption area with hydrophobic/philic layer structures. This segmentation allows different regions to perform specialized functions - the suction area separates mist from gas through controlled airflow, while the storage area collects clean ink, thereby improving collection efficiency and preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas permeable and liquid impermeable membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the suction area and storage area. This membrane allows gas to pass through while blocking liquid ink, effectively separating misty ink particles from the gas flow. The membrane acts as a mediator that enables efficient ink collection while preventing contamination of the storage area.
2Device complexity
If the suction hole is placed close to the reception hole, then the structure is compact, but misty ink contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The suction hole is positioned at a different vertical level (in the up/down direction) rather than horizontally adjacent to the reception hole. This dimensional separation allows the suction mechanism to draw air from a position that avoids direct exposure to falling ink droplets, preventing misty ink contamination while maintaining structural compactness through vertical stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner wall of the waste ink container in the suction area is equipped with specific structures (such as inclined surfaces or flow guides) that differ from other areas. These localized structural modifications direct airflow away from falling ink droplets, creating a contamination-free suction zone while keeping the overall structure compact.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple container structure is used, then manufacturing is easy, but ink collection and separation efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A gas permeable and liquid impermeable membrane is used in the waste ink container structure. This porous material allows gas to pass through while blocking liquid ink, enabling effective separation of misty ink particles from the gas flow. The membrane can be integrated into the container wall during manufacturing, maintaining ease of production while significantly improving ink collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste ink container incorporates composite structures combining different materials with complementary properties: hydrophobic and hydrophilic layers for ink absorption, gas permeable membranes for separation, and structurally sound base materials. These composite materials enable efficient ink collection and separation while can be manufactured using conventional processes.
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
The solution effectively separates and collects waste ink, reducing internal contamination and improving the efficiency of ink disposal, thereby maintaining the apparatus's cleanliness and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The suction mechanism sucks a gas from the waste ink container. The suction airflow path communicates with the reception hole and the suction hole so as to allow a suction airflow generated by drive of the suction mechanism to pass therethrough.
Implementation Method 2
The intermediate layer has an intermediate opening extending therethrough in the second direction. The one-side layer and the other-side layer have a one-side opening and another-side opening, respectively, both communicating with the intermediate opening in the second direction. A space defined by the intermediate opening, the one-side opening and the other-side opening forms a portion of the suction airflow path.
Data Source
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AI summary
The inkjet recording apparatus (100) includes a recording head (40), a waste ink container (7) and a suction mechanism (10). The waste ink container (7) includes a reception hole (710), a suction hole (730), a suction airflow path (70) and a definition member (8). The definition member (8) includes an intermediate layer (90), and a one-side layer (91) and an other-side layer (92) between which the intermediate layer (90) is sandwiched. The intermediate layer (90) has an intermediate opening (900), and the one-side layer (91) and the other-side layer (92) have a one-side opening (910) and another-side opening (920), respectively, both communicating with the intermediate opening (900). A space defined by the intermediate opening (900), the one-side opening (910) and the other-side opening (920) forms a portion of the suction airflow path (70). An opening area of the intermediate opening (900) is smaller than an opening area of the one-side opening (910) and moreover smaller than an opening area of the other-side opening (920).