Suction Tank Inlet Position and Pressure Control for Mist Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid collection systems in inkjet printers face issues with mist generation in suction tanks, which can reduce the lifespan of parts and require complex structures to mitigate this problem.

Innovation Solution

A liquid collection device with a suction tank having an inlet at its lower portion, a suctioner generating negative pressure, and a controller that terminates suction when the pressure in the tank reaches a threshold for a prescribed time, along with a liquefying member to adsorb and liquefy mist, reducing the complexity of the tank structure and mist generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If liquid flows into the suction tank from the upper portion and hits the liquid surface, then liquid collection is achieved, but mist is generated which reduces part lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid collection efficiencyVSAvoidpart lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by providing the liquid inlet at the lower portion of the suction tank instead of the upper portion. This inversion prevents liquid from falling and splashing on the liquid surface, thereby suppressing mist generation while maintaining liquid collection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful mist generated during liquid collection by introducing a suctioner that creates negative pressure to draw mist out of the tank, separating the harmful byproduct from the liquid collection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a baffle plate and channel member are added to suppress mist, then mist generation is reduced, but the structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepart lifespanVSAvoidsuction tank structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the need for complex internal structures like baffle plates and channel members by addressing mist generation through the inlet position inversion and negative pressure suction, achieving a simpler overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical mist suppression structures with a pressure-based control system using a suctioner to generate negative pressure, which actively removes mist without requiring complex physical barriers or guides within the tank.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If suction continues until pressure equals threshold, then liquid collection is complete, but mist is generated and adheres to parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid collection completenessVSAvoidmist adhesion to parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller monitors the pressure inside the suction tank and terminates suction when the pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, preventing over-suction that would generate and adhere mist to parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The suction operation is performed periodically with controlled duration based on pressure feedback, rather than continuously, allowing the system to collect liquid effectively while stopping before mist generation and adhesion occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 effectively reduces mist generation in the suction tank while avoiding complex structures, thereby extending the lifespan of parts and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a suctioner configured to generate a negative pressure in the suction tank and suck the liquid from the liquid reservoir into the suction tank via the suction passage by using the generated negative pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a liquefying member arranged in the suction tank and configured to adsorb and liquefy mist

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10821733B2Liquid collection device with suctioner for sucking liquid

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 RISO KAGAKU CORP

AI summary

A liquid collection device includes: a suction tank configured to suck and collect liquid accumulated in a liquid reservoir; a suction passage connecting the liquid reservoir and an inlet opened in a lower portion of the suction tank to each other; a suctioner configured to generate a negative pressure in the suction tank and suck the liquid from the liquid reservoir into the suction tank via the suction passage by using the generated negative pressure; and a controller configured to control the suctioner to terminate suction of the liquid into the suction tank upon continuance of a state where a pressure in the suction tank is equal to or greater than a threshold for a prescribed time or more after start of the suction.