Inkjet Printer Frame Flow Space Thermal Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In recording devices, such as inkjet printers, heat from the substrate unit can reach the supply section, causing the liquid to heat up and change viscosity or generate bubbles, which can disrupt the normal ejection of liquid by the recording section.
Innovation Solution
A recording device is designed with a frame that separates the substrate unit from the supply section, creating a flow space through which air can flow. This configuration helps to dissipate heat away from the supply section, preventing temperature-related issues with liquid ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the substrate unit is placed close to the supply section to save space, then the device size is reduced, but heat from the substrate unit reaches the supply section causing liquid temperature increase and ejection problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow space as a separate thermal zone between the substrate unit and the supply section. This segmentation allows the substrate unit to be positioned close to the supply section for compactness while the flow space acts as a thermal barrier, preventing heat transfer to the liquid supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow space serves as an intermediary element between the substrate unit and the supply section. Air flowing through this intermediate space carries heat away from the supply section, mediating the thermal interaction and preventing direct heat transfer to the liquid.
2Reliability
If the substrate unit is positioned away from the supply section to prevent heating, then liquid ejection is maintained, but the device structure becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The flow space is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal isolation to prevent heating, allows air circulation for heat dissipation, and maintains the structural integrity of the device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in air flow parameters (velocity, direction) to control heat transfer. By optimizing air flow through the flow space, the system can dynamically manage thermal conditions without requiring complex mechanical cooling systems.
3Temperature
If air flow is increased through the flow space to enhance cooling, then heat dissipation from the substrate unit is improved, but the risk of bubbles entering the liquid supply increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow space is designed with specific local characteristics including controlled air flow paths and thermal zones. The air flow is directed to pass over the substrate unit for cooling while the flow space geometry prevents bubble generation and ensures only cooled air, not liquid, enters the supply section.
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 implementation of the flow space between the substrate unit and the frame effectively reduces the likelihood of the supply section being heated by the substrate unit, ensuring consistent and reliable liquid ejection by the recording section.
Implementation Method 1
the substrate unit is attached to the frame so as to define a flow space through which air flows between the substrate unit and the frame
Data Source
AI summary
The recording device has a recording section that records an image on a medium by ejecting liquid onto the medium; a supply section that supplies liquid to the recording section; a substrate unit; and a frame to which the substrate unit is attached, wherein the frame is located between the supply section and the substrate unit, and the substrate unit is attached to the frame so as to define a flow space through which air flows between the substrate unit and the frame.