Non-absorbent Roller Spittoon for Inkjet Printhead Aerosol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spittoon systems for inkjet printheads are inadequate for collecting pigment-based ink, as insoluble pigments tend to precipitate and clog absorbent materials, and they often fail to effectively manage ink aerosol collection.
Innovation Solution
A spittoon system with rollers positioned between upstream and downstream sidewalls of a platen, where the rollers have non-absorbent surfaces and are rotated to collect spitted ink and direct airflow and aerosol into gaps, with a scraper mechanism to remove ink and aerosol without requiring external suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If absorbent materials are used to collect spitted ink, then ink collection capability is improved, but pigment precipitation and clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the collection surface from absorbent to non-absorbent. The roller is made of a non-absorbent material that does not allow pigment precipitation and clogging, while still enabling ink collection through surface tension and capillary action in the gap between the roller and platen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive absorbent material mechanism with an active mechanical scraping system. A scraper element mechanically removes accumulated ink from the roller surface, preventing clogging while maintaining continuous collection capability.
2Productivity
If external suction is used to collect aerosol, then aerosol collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system self-servicing by using the printhead's own operation to drive aerosol collection. The aerosol generation process itself creates the airflow that draws aerosol into the collection zone, eliminating the need for external suction devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the ink collection function with the aerosol collection function into a single integrated system. The same roller and gap structure that collects spitted ink also captures aerosol, combining two collection functions without requiring separate systems.
3Quantity of substance
If roller diameter is reduced to improve ink collection proximity, then ink collection effectiveness is improved, but structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized collection zone with specific geometric properties. The gap between the roller and platen is precisely controlled to optimize capillary action and surface tension effects, while the roller itself maintains sufficient structural integrity through its mounting configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the gap space between the roller and platen as an intermediary collection zone. This intermediate space serves as the actual collection region, allowing the roller to be positioned close to the printhead for effective ink collection while the platen provides structural support and stability.
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 system effectively collects spitted ink and aerosol from the printhead, preventing clogging and improving print quality by using non-absorbent rollers and a scraper mechanism to manage airflow and aerosol without additional suction, suitable for both pigment-based inks and aerosol collection.
Implementation Method 1
a roller positioned in the spittoon slot between the upstream and downstream sidewalls for receiving ink spitted from the printhead
Implementation Method 2
rollers having non-absorbent surfaces are positioned beneath staggered slots in a platen and ink is scraped from the rollers
Implementation Method 3
a rotation mechanism for rotating the roller
Implementation Method 4
direct airflow and aerosol into gaps, with a scraper mechanism to remove ink and aerosol without requiring external suction
Implementation Method 5
a scraper engaged with the roller
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes: an inkjet printhead having first and second rows of printhead chips; a platen having first and second spittoon slots corresponding to the first and second rows of printhead chips, each spittoon slot having a length corresponding to a length of the printhead and a width extending between a respective upstream sidewall and a respective downstream sidewall of the platen; first and second rollers positioned in the respective first and second spittoon slots for receiving ink spitted from the first and second rows of printhead chips; a rotation mechanism for rotating the first and second rollers; and first and second scrapers engaged with respective first and second rollers. A diameter of each roller is less than the width of its respective spittoon slot.