Liquid Absorber Bonding for Ink Spill Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid absorption members in ink jet printers have high bulk density, leading to insufficient liquid absorption properties and high processing costs, with difficulties in conforming to desired shapes and maintaining recessed portions to prevent ink spillage.
Innovation Solution
A liquid absorber with a fiber-based absorption member bonded using a water-soluble resin, featuring a substrate with cellulose fibers and a super absorbent resin, and a porous absorption member with a higher bulk density, designed to absorb ink efficiently and conform to various shapes while preventing ink spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If individual fibers are fused together with a fused resin to form a liquid absorption member, then the structural strength is improved, but the bulk density increases and liquid absorption properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from heat fusion to moisture-activated bonding. The water-soluble resin remains dormant during assembly and only activates when exposed to moisture from the liquid to be absorbed, thereby maintaining low bulk density while achieving structural strength at the molecular level through resin activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines cellulose fibers with a water-soluble resin to create a composite material that exhibits both the low density and high absorption capacity of natural fibers and the structural strength of bonded materials. The resin acts as a bonding agent that activates only when needed, preserving the porous structure
2Shape
If the liquid absorption member is processed to fit the shape of the case, then the shape conformity is improved, but the versatility and processing costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible mat structure that can be easily deformed and adapted to various case shapes without requiring complex processing. The mat form factor allows it to conform to different geometries while maintaining its absorption properties, providing versatility across applications
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid absorption member is designed as a mat that can be segmented or divided into different configurations to fit various case shapes. This segmentation approach allows the same base material to be adapted to multiple shapes without requiring complete reprocessing
3Adaptability or versatility
If crushed pieces and fibrillated cotton fiber are used to conform to any desired case shape, then the shape adaptability is improved, but the distribution uniformity and absorption characteristics worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a homogeneous mat structure with uniform distribution of cellulose fibers and water-soluble resin throughout. This homogeneity ensures consistent absorption characteristics regardless of the case shape, as the uniform structure maintains predictable performance when adapted to different configurations
4Reliability
If a recessed portion is formed to prevent waste ink spillage, then the spillage prevention is improved, but the processing complexity and costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The water-soluble resin provides self-service by automatically activating when exposed to moisture from spilled ink or cleaning solutions. This self-activation creates a gel barrier that prevents spillage without requiring pre-formed recessed portions or complex structural features, reducing processing complexity
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 achieves improved absorption characteristics, reduced bulk density, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring consistent ink absorption and versatility in conforming to different shapes, while preventing ink spillage and dust emission.
Implementation Method 1
the materials of the liquid absorption member are bonded together in the at least a portion of the surface with a bonding force of a water-soluble resin
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive force generated by swelling of the liquid-absorbent resin
Implementation Method 3
an adhesive force generated by swelling of the liquid-absorbent resin
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid absorber includes a liquid absorption member and a case. The liquid absorption member absorbs liquid. The liquid absorption member includes materials that include a fiber and a liquid-absorbent resin. The liquid absorption member is stored in the case. The case has an opening portion. The materials of the liquid absorption member are bonded together in at least a portion of a surface of the liquid absorption member. The surface is a surface adjacent to the opening portion.