Segmented Liquid Absorber for Inkjet Waste Ink Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid absorbers in ink jet printers have low ink permeability, leading to insufficient and slow absorption of waste ink, which can cause accumulation and affect print quality.

Innovation Solution

A liquid absorbing structure comprising a container with a first and second liquid absorber, differing in fiber and water-absorbent resin density, where the first absorber with high permeability is positioned near the ink supply and the second with high water absorbency is placed around it, allowing for rapid and effective ink absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single liquid absorber with uniform density is used, then the structure is simple, but the ink permeability is low and absorption is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink absorption speedVSAvoidliquid absorber structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid absorber is divided into multiple regions with different densities. The first liquid absorber has a first density and the second liquid absorber has a second density different from the first. This segmentation allows different parts of the liquid absorber to perform different functions: one region provides high permeability for rapid ink intake while another region provides high absorption capacity for waste ink storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the liquid absorber are given different local properties through varying density. The first liquid absorber with its specific density is positioned to optimize ink permeability, while the second liquid absorber with different density is positioned to optimize absorption capacity. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between absorption speed and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If the liquid absorber density is increased to improve absorption capacity, then more ink can be stored, but ink permeability decreases and absorption becomes slower

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste ink absorption capacityVSAvoidink absorption speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid absorber is segmented into first and second liquid absorbers with different densities. The first liquid absorber with lower density provides high permeability for rapid ink absorption, while the second liquid absorber with higher density provides increased absorption capacity. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between storage capacity and absorption speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The density parameter of the liquid absorber is varied across different regions. By changing the density from the first density in the first liquid absorber to the second density in the second liquid absorber, the system achieves both high permeability (through lower density regions) and high absorption capacity (through higher density regions), resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration enhances the absorption properties of the liquid absorber, enabling rapid and efficient absorption of waste ink, preventing accumulation and maintaining print quality.

Implementation Method 1

The liquid absorber contains a first liquid absorber and a second liquid absorber that are different in density of at least one of the fiber and the water-absorbent resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity difference: Density Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a liquid absorber having a fiber and a water-absorbent resin capable of absorbing liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

a water-absorbent resin capable of absorbing liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophilicity: Hydrophile

Data Source

PatentUS11427002B2Liquid absorbing structure and liquid droplet ejecting apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

The liquid absorbing structure includes: a liquid absorber having a fiber and a water-absorbent resin capable of absorbing liquid; and a container having a supply port through which the liquid is supplied and a storage space in which the liquid absorber is stored. The liquid absorber contains a first liquid absorber and a second liquid absorber that are different in density of at least one of the fiber and the water-absorbent resin. The first liquid absorber and the second liquid absorber are disposed at different positions in the container.