Waste Ink Container Airflow Path for Ink Mist Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording apparatuses face inefficiencies in collecting and containing waste ink, particularly due to misty ink gas escaping from the waste ink container, leading to potential contamination of the printer interior.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a waste ink container with a defined suction airflow path and absorption member comprising multiple layers to separate and absorb misty ink gas, enhancing collection efficiency by using a porous material like melamine sponge to trap ink mist within the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a simple waste ink container is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but ink mist escapes causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The waste ink container is segmented into multiple functional layers: a reception hole for receiving ink, a suction hole for gas extraction, a suction airflow path for directing flow, and a definition member with intermediate and side layers that create controlled flow paths. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of ink mist containment while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
A definition member is introduced as an intermediary component between the reception hole and suction hole. This definition member includes an intermediate layer with an intermediate opening and one-side/other-side layers that collectively form a suction airflow path, mediating the flow of gas and ink mist from the reception area to the suction area while preventing uncontrolled escape of ink particles.
2Productivity
If the suction airflow path opening area is increased, then the suction efficiency is improved, but the ink mist may escape through larger openings
Solution Approach 1:
The suction airflow path is segmented into multiple openings at different levels: an intermediate opening in the intermediate layer and one-side/other-side openings in the respective side layers. This segmentation allows the total opening area to be distributed across multiple smaller openings, maintaining suction efficiency while reducing the risk of ink mist escape through any single large opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction airflow path is extended into the vertical dimension with the intermediate layer positioned between the one-side and other-side layers. This multi-layered structure creates a three-dimensional flow path that allows gas to be suctioned efficiently through multiple levels of openings while the layered configuration provides multiple barriers to ink mist escape, effectively using vertical space to resolve the contradiction between suction efficiency and leak prevention.
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 separates and collects waste ink, reducing contamination risks and improving the overall cleanliness and operational efficiency of the printer by minimizing ink mist leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The suction mechanism sucks a gas from the waste ink container
Implementation Method 2
a porous material like melamine sponge to trap ink mist within the container
Data Source
AI summary
The inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head, a waste ink container and a suction mechanism. The waste ink container includes a reception hole, a suction hole, a suction airflow path and a definition member. The definition member includes an intermediate layer, and a one-side layer and another-side layer between which the intermediate layer is sandwiched. The intermediate layer has an intermediate opening, and the one-side layer and the other-side layer have a one-side opening and another-side opening, respectively, both communicating with the intermediate opening. A space defined by the intermediate opening, the one-side opening and the other-side opening forms a portion of the suction airflow path. An opening area of the intermediate opening is smaller than an opening area of the one-side opening and moreover smaller than an opening area of the other-side opening.