Segmented Absorbent Composite for Inkjet Printer Liquid Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid absorbers in inkjet printers, composed of hydrophilic fibers and superabsorbent polymers, face challenges in controlling density and absorption efficiency due to their block shape, leading to reduced permeability and increased container size requirements.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent composite of small, longitudinally shaped pieces with fibers and water absorbent resin, where the ratio of distance between end points to total length is optimized to create a suitable gap for capillary action, allowing for adjustable bulk density and improved absorption efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the liquid absorber is formed in a block shape to increase density and maximize capillary phenomenon effect, then water retention increases, but permeation rate at the upper surface is reduced and ink components accumulate to inhibit further permeation
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid absorber is divided into multiple small pieces (5-20mm in size) instead of using a solid block. This segmentation creates numerous small gaps between particles that facilitate capillary action and maintain permeation pathways, preventing ink component accumulation while preserving water retention capacity through the distributed absorbent material.
2Quantity of substance
If the liquid absorber is formed in a block shape to maximize absorption effect, then absorption capacity increases, but it does not follow the container shape and it is difficult to control the amount and density in the container
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the liquid absorber into small discrete pieces, the material can be freely poured and distributed to conform to any container shape and size. The individual particles can be controlled in quantity and density during filling, while collectively providing the same total absorption capacity as a solid block would provide.
3Speed
If hollowing is provided in the absorber to create accumulation space and reduce ink component accumulation effect, then permeation is improved, but the amount of absorption decreases by the hollowing volume and container size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating large hollow spaces that reduce absorption volume, the invention uses natural inter-particle gaps created by segmenting the absorber into small pieces. These gaps are sufficient to maintain permeation pathways for ink components while the bulk of the small pieces retains full absorption capacity, maximizing both permeation and absorption without increasing container size.
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 absorbent composite effectively prevents uneven absorption characteristics and ensures efficient liquid absorption and retention by allowing for flexible shape adaptation within the container, enhancing the overall absorption efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
in order to maximize an effect of capillary phenomenon and increase the amount of water retention
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent composite of the present disclosure includes an aggregate of small pieces having a shape with a longitudinal direction, including fibers and a water absorbent resin, in which when a total length in the longitudinal direction of the small piece is L1 [mm] and a distance between end points connecting one end and the other end of the small piece is L2 [mm], an average value of L2/L1 is greater than 0 and 0.950 or less.