Liquid Ejecting Device with Visual Waste Ink Level Marker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting devices, such as those described in JP-A-2018-130911, fail to effectively manage waste ink buildup on media prone to strike-through, leading to inefficiencies and potential ink wastage.
Innovation Solution
The liquid ejecting device incorporates a liquid receiving section with a side surface portion rising from the bottom and a marker at its inner surface, allowing visual detection of waste liquid buildup without sensors, and includes a holding section that tilts and stabilizes the receiving section, along with a treatment solution to reduce ink fluidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a liquid receiving section is added to collect waste ink, then ink waste is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid receiving section uses a marker that becomes visually detectable when liquid reaches a certain level, enabling the system to self-monitor waste liquid accumulation without external sensors or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The marker is implemented as a simple, inexpensive visual indicator (such as a colored band or pattern on the inner surface) that provides level detection functionality at minimal cost, replacing expensive sensor systems
2Measurement precision
If a marker is provided at the inner surface of the side surface portion, then measurement precision of liquid level is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is implemented as a simple visual indicator (such as a colored band, pattern, or translucent element) that provides reliable liquid level detection at minimal cost and structural complexity, replacing expensive electronic sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The marker utilizes color or transparency changes to indicate liquid level - for example, a colored band that becomes visible when liquid reaches a certain height, or a translucent section that changes appearance when liquid contacts it, providing intuitive visual measurement
3Stability of the object's composition
If the liquid receiving section is held by a holding section with tilting, then stability of the receiving section is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding section tilts the liquid receiving section to facilitate liquid drainage and accumulation at specific areas, using gravitational force to naturally guide liquid flow without requiring pumps or active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The holding section provides adjustable or adaptable positioning of the receiving section, allowing optimal orientation for different operating conditions while maintaining stability during liquid collection
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting device according to the present disclosure includes a liquid ejecting section configured to eject a liquid to a medium, and a liquid receiving section disposed at a position facing the liquid ejecting section across the medium, and configured to receive the liquid. The liquid receiving section includes a side surface portion rising upward from a bottom, and also includes a marker provided at an inner surface of the side surface portion.