Separated Exhaust Channel Layout for Accurate Ink Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face issues with ink mist generation and image quality degradation due to airflow interference between the exhaust and discharge paths, leading to ink misalignment and contamination within the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a partition or blocker, such as an L-shaped plate, to separate the exhaust channel from the discharge path, and using a guide portion to direct cooling air effectively, while sealing gaps to minimize airflow disturbances and ink mist entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the exhaust channel and discharge path are integrated without separation, then the device complexity is reduced, but ink mist generation increases and image quality degrades due to airflow interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the internal airflow path into two separate channels: an exhaust channel for removing heated air from the irradiator, and a discharge path for liquid ejection. A partition wall physically separates these channels, preventing airflow interference between them. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural integration while eliminating harmful interactions that degrade image quality.
2Reliability
If the partition extends over the entire length of the discharge path, then airflow separation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The partition is strategically positioned only at critical locations where airflow separation is most needed, rather than extending along the entire discharge path. This localized approach maintains effective airflow separation while reducing manufacturing complexity and the number of components required.
3Temperature
If cooling air flow rate is increased to improve irradiator cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but ink mist generation increases due to stronger airflow interference
Solution Approach 1:
The partition creates separate airflow zones that allow high-velocity cooling air to flow through the exhaust channel without interfering with the liquid discharge path. This enables effective irradiator cooling while preventing the cooling airflow from disturbing the liquid droplets and generating ink mist.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition acts as an intermediary barrier between the cooling airflow and the liquid discharge path. It allows the cooling function to operate at high efficiency while mediating the interaction between airflow and liquid, preventing harmful ink mist generation.
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 reduces ink mist generation, ensures accurate ink landing, prevents contamination, and maintains image quality by separating airflow streams, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a suction port from which air is inhaled into the housing to cool the irradiator
Implementation Method 2
a partition to separate the exhaust channel from the discharge path
Implementation Method 3
using a guide portion to direct cooling air effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes: a head to discharge a liquid onto a medium along a discharge path; an irradiator adjacent to the head to irradiate the liquid on the medium with a curing light to cure the liquid on the medium, the irradiator including a housing; a suction port from which air is inhaled into the housing to cool the irradiator, an exhaust port from which the air is exhausted outside the housing through an exhaust channel; and a partition to separate the exhaust channel from the discharge path.