Linear Absorbing Member Vibration Suppression in Inkjet Printers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ink jet printers face challenges in performing a flushing process when using a linear absorbing member, as it leads to vibration and potential contamination due to reduced ink absorption capacity and increased size constraints, especially when handling elongated sheets.

Innovation Solution

A fluid ejecting apparatus with a linear receiving member supported by a movement unit and a contact member that intersects its extension direction, allowing the receiving member to come into contact with the contact member during movement, thereby suppressing vibration and ensuring efficient ink reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a linear absorbing member is used to perform flushing process, then the flushing can be performed within empty area between printing sheet and printing head, but the absorbing member decreases vibration stability and ink absorption capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflushing process adaptabilityVSAvoidvibration stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A support member is introduced as an intermediary between the linear absorbing member and the printing head. The support member has a larger area than the absorbing member and provides a stable base that reduces vibration, while the absorbing member maintains its linear shape for flushing functionality. The support member acts as a mediator that decouples the vibration stability requirement from the absorbing member itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from using only a linear absorbing member to a two-dimensional structure consisting of the linear absorbing member plus an extended support member. The support member extends in the width direction beyond the absorbing member, creating a larger stability base without interfering with the flushing process in the main scanning direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If a linear absorbing member is used, then the flushing process can be performed intermittently, but the area capable of absorbing ink decreases compared to planar absorbing member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflushing process efficiencyVSAvoidink absorption capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbing member is segmented into two functional zones: a linear absorbing portion for receiving ink during flushing, and an extended support portion that provides stability. The support member may include additional absorbing materials or structures that can supplement ink absorption without interfering with the primary flushing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical stability to reduce vibration, supports the linear absorbing member in the empty area, and potentially contributes to ink absorption. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve both flushing efficiency and adequate ink absorption capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If linear absorbing member moves to facing position, then flushing can be performed, but the member is easily vibrated and may deviate from receiving area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflushing operation capabilityVSAvoidpositioning reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The extended support member creates a counterbalancing effect that opposes the vibrational forces acting on the linear absorbing member. By extending the support structure in the width direction, the system creates a larger moment of inertia that resists vibration-induced displacement, maintaining positioning reliability during flushing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 apparatus enables rapid and effective ink reception from nozzles even when the linear receiving member moves and stops, reducing vibration and contamination risks, allowing for efficient flushing processes on elongated sheets.

Implementation Method 1

the receiving member comes into contact with the contact member, thereby suppressing the vibration of the receiving member at the receiving position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration suppression: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a linear receiving member which is capable of receiving the fluid ejected from the nozzles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8770710B2Fluid ejecting apparatus

Publication Date: 2014.07.08 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

Provided is a fluid ejecting apparatus including: a fluid ejecting head; a receiving member which is linear; a support member which supports the receiving member so as to extend in a linear shape; a support member movement unit which moves the support member between first and second positions so that the receiving member is located at a receiving position capable of receiving the fluid ejected from the nozzles at the first position, and the receiving member is located at a retreat position deviating from the receiving position at the second position; and a contact member which comes into contact with the receiving member while moving in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the receiving member relative to the receiving member when the support member movement unit moves the support member from the second position to the first position.