Power Supply Unit Ink Penetration Prevention in Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ink jet type printers, the power supply unit is prone to ink penetration from leaks, which can lead to electrical issues and reduced performance due to its lower positioning within the housing, and existing solutions do not effectively address the ink mist penetration and heat management.
Innovation Solution
The power supply unit is positioned above the moving region of the carriage, with a design that includes shielding and ventilation features to prevent ink penetration and incorporates a fan for cooling, while the ink supply path is routed to reduce curvature and load on the tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the power supply unit is disposed at the lower portion in the housing, then it is easy to install and access, but ink leakage can penetrate into the power supply unit causing electrical issues and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is inverted from its conventional lower position to an upper position in the housing, specifically above the carriage moving region. This inversion places the power supply unit higher than the ink supply tubes and carriage, preventing ink leakage from penetrating into the power supply unit while maintaining ease of installation through standardized mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit is positioned in the vertical dimension above the carriage moving region, creating a spatial separation that prevents ink penetration. This dimensional arrangement ensures that even if ink leaks from the carriage or tubes, gravity prevents it from reaching the elevated power supply unit.
2Reliability
If the power supply unit is positioned above the carriage moving region, then protection from ink penetration is improved, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is segmented into a housing that encloses the power supply components, with dedicated ventilation openings provided in the housing. This segmentation allows the power supply unit to be protected from ink while maintaining effective heat dissipation through controlled airflow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Ventilation openings and airflow paths act as intermediaries between the power supply unit and the surrounding environment, enabling heat to be dissipated while preventing direct exposure to ink. The housing structure with controlled openings mediates between the need for protection and the need for thermal management.
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
This configuration effectively suppresses ink penetration into the power supply unit, extends the life of the ink supply tubes, and enhances cooling efficiency, reducing the adverse impact of heat on the recording head and other components.
Implementation Method 1
a fan that moves air
Implementation Method 2
an ink supply tube that supplies the liquid from the ink supply to the recording head
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet type printer includes a recording head that performs recording on a paper sheet by ejecting ink, a carriage that reciprocates in a width direction while supporting the recording head, and a power supply unit that supplies electricity to driving targets including a driving source of the carriage and the recording head. The power supply unit is disposed such that at least a part thereof overlaps with a moving region of the carriage on an upper side.