Waste Ink Container Airflow Layout for Ink Mist Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording apparatuses face inefficiencies in collecting and containing waste ink, particularly due to the misty nature of the gas containing ink, which can lead to internal contamination and reduced collection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a waste ink container with a reception hole and suction airflow paths that separate ink mist from gas, utilizing a porous absorption member with multiple absorption layers to enhance ink collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional waste ink container with a single suction hole is used, then the structure is simple, but ink mist cannot be effectively separated from gas leading to internal contamination and reduced collection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The waste ink container is segmented into multiple functional zones: a reception hole for receiving waste ink, multiple suction holes positioned at different locations, and internally divided airflow paths including a first suction airflow path and a second suction airflow path. This segmentation allows different regions to handle different aspects of ink collection and gas separation, improving collection efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A porous absorption member is introduced as an intermediary element within the container. This member absorbs ink mist from the suction airflow, acting as a mediator between the gas phase and liquid ink phase. The absorption member enables effective separation of ink mist from gas without requiring complex mechanical separation devices, thus improving reliability while controlling structural complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the suction hole is placed close to the reception hole, then the structure is compact, but ink mist separation is insufficient causing internal contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The container design extends in the vertical dimension by positioning the suction hole at a lower level than the reception hole, creating a height difference. This vertical arrangement allows the suction airflow to travel through a longer path within the container, improving ink mist separation effectiveness without significantly increasing the horizontal footprint or overall volume of the container
Solution Approach 2:
The porous absorption member is positioned to preliminarily absorb ink mist from the suction airflow before the gas reaches the suction hole. This preliminary action of ink mist removal prevents contamination while maintaining a compact container structure, as the absorption process occurs within the existing volume rather than requiring additional external separation equipment
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 ink mist from gas, preventing internal contamination and improving the collection efficiency of waste ink, thereby maintaining the apparatus's cleanliness and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The suction airflow path has, as viewed in the second direction, a reverse airflow path for leading the suction airflow in a direction of further separation from the suction hole, and a forward airflow path for leading the suction airflow in a direction of further nearness to the suction hole
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 for receiving ink ejected from the recording head, a suction hole connected to the suction mechanism, and a suction airflow path which communicates the reception hole and the suction hole with each other. The suction airflow path includes a reverse airflow path for leading a suction airflow in a direction of further separation from the suction hole, and a forward airflow path for leading the suction airflow in a direction of further nearness to the suction hole.