Recording Head Holding Unit Airflow for Ink Mist Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink mist entering the holding unit from gaps around the discharge unit in liquid discharge devices can adhere to internal components, leading to potential operation failures.
Innovation Solution
A holding unit with a blowing unit that directs air flow to counteract ink mist entry by changing its direction to suppress adhesion, using changing members and Peltier coolers to manage airflow and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the holding unit is designed with gaps around the discharge unit to allow access and maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but ink mist enters through these gaps and adheres to internal components, worsening reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A blowing unit is introduced as an intermediary component that generates air flow to actively prevent ink mist from entering the holding unit through gaps. The air flow acts as a protective barrier, allowing gaps to remain open for maintenance access while blocking harmful ink mist particles from adhering to internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by employing a blowing unit that generates controlled air flow. This air flow is directed toward the discharge unit and surrounding areas to create a positive pressure field that prevents ink mist from infiltrating through gaps, thereby protecting internal components without requiring sealed enclosures.
2Reliability
If air flow is increased to prevent ink mist entry, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blowing unit is designed to generate air flow locally and selectively in areas where ink mist infiltration is most likely to occur. Rather than creating uniform high-velocity flow throughout the entire holding unit, the air flow is concentrated at critical gaps and discharge unit perimeters, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by using the blowing unit only when and where needed to prevent ink mist entry. The air flow is generated in specific directions and intensities sufficient to block mist infiltration through gaps, rather than maintaining excessive flow throughout the entire system, thereby optimizing energy 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
Effectively prevents ink mist from adhering to internal components, reducing operation failures by enhancing airflow management and temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a blowing unit configured to blow air toward the facing surface so that the air reaches the plurality of recording heads
Implementation Method 2
Peltier coolers to manage airflow and temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
A holding portion is held by a main body portion. The holding portion includes at least one recording head, a carriage, a cover portion, and a blowing unit. The recording head is capable of discharging ink. The carriage has a bottom wall portion to which at least one recording head is attached, and accommodates the at least one recording head. A cover portion has a facing surface facing the bottom wall portion. The blowing unit blows air toward the facing surface so that the air reaches the recording head.