Liquid Discharge Apparatus Flat Support Surface Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

In liquid discharge apparatuses, medium floatation from the supporting surface can lead to image quality degradation due to medium deformation, particularly when multiple recesses are formed under the discharge portion, causing ink landing shifts and increased wrinkles.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharge apparatus with a supporting surface configuration featuring a flat first surface for the discharge range and a second surface with alternating recessed portions downstream, which are opened on the transporting direction side, to prevent medium floatation and maintain image quality. This configuration includes a bent portion and varying suction hole sizes to effectively manage medium deformation and floatation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If multiple recesses are formed on the recording medium transporting surface at positions facing the recording head, then the medium floatation is suppressed, but the landing position of the ink is shifted according to the deformation of the medium and the image quality decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedium stabilityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting surface is divided into two distinct regions: a first supporting surface without unevenness for the discharge range, and a second supporting surface with alternating recessed portions downstream. This segmentation allows each region to serve its specific function - the first region ensures flat medium for accurate ink discharge, while the second region suppresses floatation through controlled deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different surface characteristics are applied to different locations: the first supporting surface has a flat, even surface quality optimized for ink discharge, while the second supporting surface has alternating recessed portions that create controlled local deformations to suppress medium floatation. Each location has the quality needed for its specific function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the medium is floated from the supporting surface to contact the discharge portion, then the medium can be positioned for discharge, but the medium deformation occurs and image quality decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedium positioningVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first supporting surface is prepared in advance with a flat, even surface configuration before the medium enters the discharge range. This preliminary preparation ensures the medium is properly positioned and maintained flat during the critical discharge phase, preventing deformation that would affect image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If recesses are provided on the recording medium transporting surface, then medium floatation is suppressed, but wrinkles increase and medium deformation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedium stabilityVSAvoidmedium shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The second supporting surface features alternating recessed portions that create localized controlled deformations in specific areas downstream, while the first supporting surface maintains a completely flat surface for the discharge range. This local differentiation suppresses floatation through the recessed areas while preserving the flat shape needed for accurate ink discharge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 described configuration effectively suppresses medium floatation and image quality degradation by maintaining a flat medium surface during discharge, reducing wrinkles, and preventing hooking and suction-related issues, thereby enhancing printing quality.

Implementation Method 1

the first supporting surface supports the medium in the discharge range and does not have unevenness in a width direction intersecting the transporting direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 2

the second supporting surface supports the medium on a downstream side of the discharge range in the transporting direction and includes uneven portions in which a first portion and a second portion which is further recessed than the first portion are formed alternately in the width direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10562325B2Liquid discharge apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

There is provided a liquid discharge apparatus including: a transporting unit that transports a medium in a transporting direction, a discharge portion that discharges a liquid to the medium positioned in a discharge range, and a supporting portion that has a first supporting surface and a second supporting surface, as a supporting surface supporting the medium to be transported by the transporting unit, in which the first supporting surface supports the medium in the discharge range and does not have unevenness in a width direction intersecting the transporting direction, the second supporting surface supports the medium on a downstream side of the discharge range in the transporting direction and includes uneven portions in which a first portion and a second portion which is further recessed than the first portion are formed alternately in the width direction.