Mist Collection Device Suction Fan Ink Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink that has turned into liquid droplets in a printer's recovery device adheres to filters or remains within the device, causing a deterioration of the suction force and hindering mist collection.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection device with first and second ejection heads, suction containers, and a suction fan is configured to prevent liquid droplets from obstructing mist collection by using a suction container with a hollow member that turns mist into liquid droplets, which then flow down to a reservoir for collection, ensuring continuous suction force and efficient ink recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is used to collect mist in the recovery device, then mist collection is achieved, but liquid droplets adhere to the filter causing deterioration of suction force
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery device is divided into multiple functional sections: a mist collection section with filter for capturing mist particles, and a separate liquid droplet collection section (reservoir) for collecting condensed liquid. This segmentation prevents liquid from accumulating on the filter, maintaining suction force while ensuring continuous mist collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A hollow member with condensation surface acts as an intermediary between the mist collection filter and the liquid reservoir. Mist passes through the filter, then condenses on the hollow member's surface, and finally drips into the reservoir. This intermediary structure separates the filtration function from liquid collection, preventing liquid from blocking the filter.
2Quantity of substance
If liquid droplets remain in the recovery device, then collection capacity is reduced, but continuous operation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is pre-configured at the bottom of the recovery device to receive and store liquid droplets before they can accumulate and block the suction path. This preliminary collection capacity allows the device to operate continuously for extended periods without requiring frequent emptying.
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 effectively prevents ink droplets from impeding mist collection, maintaining the suction force and ensuring efficient ink recovery by converting mist into liquid droplets within the suction container and directing them to a reservoir, thereby improving the printer's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a suction fan configured and arranged to generate an air flow
Implementation Method 2
a suction container with a hollow member that turns mist into liquid droplets
Implementation Method 3
liquid droplets, which then flow down to a reservoir for collection
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection device includes first and second ejection heads, first and second suction containers, and a suction fan. The first and second ejection heads are configured and arranged to eject liquid from a plurality of nozzles onto a recording medium. The first suction container is disposed on a downstream side of the first ejection head with respect to a direction of feeding the recording medium. The second ejection head is disposed on a downstream side of the first suction container. The second suction container is disposed on a downstream side of the second ejection head. The suction fan is configured and arranged to generate an air flow. The first suction container and the second suction container are connected to the suction fan.