Protective Wall Ribs for Ink Mist Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink mist generated by inkjet printers can damage components and affect recording quality and appearance by floating into access openings, leading to smudging and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a protective wall around access passages featuring ribs to collect and redirect ink mist, preventing it from reaching the opening and enhancing the strength of the protective wall through resin molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an access passage is provided for accessing the access target inside the apparatus through the opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mist of ink can reach the opening through the access passage and smudge around the opening, deteriorating the appearance
Solution Approach 1:
A protective wall is introduced as an intermediary structure between the access passage and the opening. This wall blocks the direct path of ink mist from reaching the opening while still allowing users to access internal components through the passage, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of smudging
Solution Approach 2:
The access passage is segmented by dividing it with the protective wall into separate regions. This segmentation creates a physical barrier that isolates the access function from the harmful mist, allowing users to pass through the passage without the mist reaching the opening area
2Ease of manufacture
If the protective wall is formed by resin molding, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the strength of the protective wall may be insufficient, affecting reliability
Solution Approach 1:
Ribs are added to specific locations on the protective wall where strength is most needed. This local reinforcement approach maintains the overall simplicity of the resin molding process while providing enhanced strength at critical areas, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The ribs provide curved surface features on the protective wall. These curved structures are more effective at redirecting ink mist flow compared to flat surfaces, while also providing structural reinforcement. The curved geometry helps guide the mist away from the opening while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the ribs are formed on the protective wall to collect mist, then the amount of mist reaching the opening is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ribs are implemented as localized surface features rather than a complete structural redesign. This approach collects mist effectively at critical locations without requiring a complete overhaul of the protective wall design, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the goal of reducing mist reaching the opening
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
Effectively reduces ink mist reaching the opening and inside the apparatus, preventing smudging and improving user safety while enhancing the structural integrity and heat dissipation of the printer.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of ribs are formed on the surface of the protective wall that is disposed around the access passage for accessing the access target inside the apparatus through the opening formed on the apparatus, the ribs can collect the floating mist
Implementation Method 2
the protective wall is disposed in an area in which a mist of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting unit is floating
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting unit that ejects a liquid onto an ejection target medium, a housing that houses the liquid ejecting unit, and a wall that is disposed at a position above the liquid ejecting unit and extends from the housing in the vertical direction so that the liquid adheres thereto.