Mist Collection Suction Port Design for Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face the challenge of inconvenient maintenance due to the complexity of mist collection systems, which leads to liquid droplets adhering to the inside of exhaust ducts and potentially staining the paper, as existing solutions require frequent sweeping and complicate the printer configuration.
Innovation Solution
A mist collection device with a suction portion extending downward and featuring a vertical suction port that protrudes annularly from the inner bottom of the exhaust duct, combined with a taper-shaped suction port and water repellency treatment, effectively recovers mist without disturbing airflow and prevents liquid droplets from running down, utilizing an exhaust fan to control suction force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cap and wiper are provided in the exhaust duct, then mist can be collected, but the configuration becomes complicated and maintenance becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the wiper component from the exhaust duct system and replaces it with a water repellent coating applied to the inner wall of the exhaust duct. This eliminates the mechanical moving part while maintaining the function of preventing liquid droplet adhesion, thereby simplifying the overall configuration while preserving mist collection effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the inside of the exhaust duct is frequently swept, then liquid droplets can be prevented from running down, but maintenance becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The water repellent coating applied to the inner wall of the exhaust duct enables the surface to automatically prevent liquid droplet adhesion without requiring external intervention. The coating creates a hydrophobic surface that causes liquid to bead up and drain away naturally, eliminating the need for frequent manual sweeping or maintenance operations.
3Reliability
If the suction port is bent or has a stepped portion, then mist can be collected, but the air flow is disturbed and liquid droplets adhere causing runoff
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies water repellent treatment specifically to the inner wall surface of the exhaust duct, creating a localized hydrophobic property in the region where liquid droplet adhesion is problematic. This allows the suction port to maintain its bent or stepped configuration for effective mist collection while the treated surface prevents liquid droplets from adhering and causing runoff, thus preserving air flow efficiency.
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 allows for efficient recovery and discharge of liquid within the exhaust duct, suppressing liquid runoff and maintaining print quality by ensuring mist collection without disturbing ink flight direction, thus simplifying maintenance and reducing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the suction port is formed in the shape extending in the vertical direction, it does not disturb or block the flow of the air which is suctioned in the exhaust duct
Implementation Method 2
an exhaust fan to control suction force
Implementation Method 3
combined with a taper-shaped suction port and water repellency treatment
Implementation Method 4
the wind velocity of the air stream flowing in the suction port is increased as it moves from the lower end side to the upper end side
Data Source
AI summary
A mist collection device capable of suctioning and recovering mist generated at the time of ejecting a liquid is disclosed. The mist collection device includes an exhaust duct having a suction portion which is installed to extend downwardly to suction external air. The suction portion is provided with a suction port extending in a vertical direction, and an upper end portion, which communicates with the exhaust duct, of the suction portion is installed to protrude in an annular shape from an inner bottom portion of the exhaust duct.