Spittoon Assembly Inclined Surface Gravity Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing devices face challenges in maintaining print head nozzle cleanliness, leading to clogging and reduced image quality due to inefficient fluid ejection and collection methods, which often require movable or motorized parts that are prone to failure and increase aerosol generation.
Innovation Solution
A spittoon assembly with a receiving surface inclined at a specific angle to facilitate gravity-induced fluid transfer into a waste receptacle, reducing the need for movable parts and minimizing aerosol generation, while allowing for segmented surfaces to handle different print fluids and extended maintenance intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If movable or motorized parts are used for fluid ejection and collection, then fluid transfer efficiency is improved, but device reliability deteriorates due to parts prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses gravity as a natural force to drive fluid transfer without requiring external power sources or motorized components. The print head itself ejects fluid onto the collection member, and gravity naturally guides the fluid down the inclined surface into the waste receptacle, making the system self-servicing and eliminating vulnerable moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces motorized or mechanically actuated fluid transfer mechanisms with a passive gravity-based system. Instead of using motors, pumps, or actuators to move and collect fluid, the design relies on gravitational force acting on the inclined surface to guide fluid naturally from the print head to the waste receptacle.
2Productivity
If complex fluid collection mechanisms are used, then fluid collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection member is designed to passively receive and channel fluid using its inclined geometry. The system leverages the natural properties of the materials and the force of gravity rather than requiring complex active control mechanisms, sensors, or adjustable components to achieve efficient fluid collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the inclination angle of the collection member to balance fluid flow efficiency with aerosol generation control. By carefully selecting this geometric parameter, the system achieves effective fluid collection while minimizing harmful side effects, eliminating the need for complex adaptive mechanisms.
3Reliability
If fluid ejection methods are used that require motorized parts, then nozzle cleanliness is improved, but aerosol generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-energy motorized fluid ejection mechanisms with a simpler gravity-based collection system. The print head ejects fluid in a controlled manner, and the inclined collection member guides it smoothly downward, reducing turbulence and aerosol formation compared to more aggressive mechanical or pneumatic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination angle of the collection member is optimized to control fluid flow velocity and direction. This parameter adjustment ensures that fluid is collected efficiently while maintaining flow conditions that minimize aerosol generation, balancing cleaning effectiveness with environmental considerations.
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 solution effectively prevents nozzle clogging, maintains print quality, and extends maintenance intervals by ensuring efficient fluid collection without aerosol contamination, using a simpler and more reliable design that reduces the risk of mechanical failure.
Implementation Method 1
A spittoon assembly for a printing device comprises a spit plate with a receiving surface inclined by an inclination angle to a horizontal direction when the spittoon assembly is mounted in the printing device. The receiving surface is provided to receive print fluid ejected from a nozzle of the print head, and a waste receptacle to receive the ejected print fluid. There is a fluid path from the receiving surface to the waste receptacle.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a spittoon assembly for a printing device, a printing device comprising a spittoon assembly, and a method of cleaning a print head using a spittoon assembly. The spittoon assembly comprises a waste receptacle and a spit plate with a receiving surface. The receiving surface is inclined relative to a horizontal direction by an inclination angle when the spittoon assembly is mounted in the printing device. A fluid path extends from the receiving surface to the waste receptacle.