Ion Generator Placement for Ink Mist Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recording apparatuses face issues with insufficient ion reach to the recording medium due to ionization failures caused by ink mist adhering to the ion generator, leading to frequent part replacements and ineffective neutralization of peeling electrification generated by the transporting roller.

Innovation Solution

A recording apparatus design that includes a blower to direct air and ions generated by an ion generator along the recording medium's path, preventing ink mist adhesion and ensuring effective ion delivery, along with an adjustable ion generator placement to enhance ion reach and prevent ink condensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an ion generator is provided to neutralize charged recording medium, then peeling electrification is prevented, but ink mist adheres to the ion generator causing ion generation failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion generation reliabilityVSAvoidink mist adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the ion generator from the direct recording path by positioning it upstream of the head portion, separating the ionization function from the ink discharge function. This spatial extraction prevents ink mist from reaching the ion generator while maintaining the neutralization effect on the recording medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The ion generator is positioned to perform ionization before the recording process. By generating ions in advance and allowing them to neutralize the recording medium before ink discharge, the system prevents electrification issues before they affect the recording process, avoiding ink mist adhesion problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the ion generator is positioned close to the recording medium for effective neutralization, then peeling electrification is prevented, but ions may not adequately reach the recording medium

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneutralization effectivenessVSAvoidion travel distance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ion generator is positioned upstream to perform ionization before the recording medium reaches the head portion. This preliminary positioning allows ions sufficient time and distance to travel and neutralize the recording medium surface before ink discharge, ensuring adequate ion reach without requiring the generator to be immediately adjacent to the recording area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the blower directs air along the recording surface for ink drying, then volatile components are removed, but condensation may occur in the head portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink drying efficiencyVSAvoidvolatile component condensation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blower is positioned and directed to create airflow in a direction that moves volatile components away from the head portion in the transporting direction. This dimensional approach to airflow management simultaneously achieves ink drying on the recording surface and prevents condensation in the head area by directing vapors downstream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effectively prevents peeling electrification and reduces the need for frequent part replacements by ensuring ions reach the recording medium, improving ionization efficiency and ink drying processes.

Implementation Method 1

a blower which blows air to a recording surface side of the recording medium transported by the transporting roller portion and to a portion between the transporting roller portion and the head portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow:

Implementation Method 2

an ion generator which is provided at a portion between the blower and the recording surface side of the recording medium, in the air blowing path of air blown by the blower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon generation: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

the ink is dried in such a manner that volatile components in the ink which is discharged onto the recording medium are volatilized by the air flow blown by the blower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolatilization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS9139022B2Recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

Provided is a recording apparatus that includes a setting portion in which a recording medium is set, a head portion which discharges ink onto the recording medium, a transporting roller portion which is provided at a portion between the setting portion and the head portion in a transporting path of the recording medium and transports the recording medium, a blower which blows air to a recording surface side of the recording medium transported by the transporting roller portion and to a portion between the transporting roller portion and the head portion, and an ion generator which is provided at a portion between the blower and the recording surface side of the recording medium, in the air blowing path of air blown by the blower.