Waste Ink Tank Suction Action for Uniform Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid collection containers in inkjet printers face inefficiencies in absorbing waste ink due to localized absorption by gravity, leading to incomplete dispersion and absorption across the absorbing material.
Innovation Solution
A liquid collection container design incorporating a suction action portion that enhances liquid dispersion and absorption by applying a suction force, complementing gravity and permeation capabilities, with configurations such as separate or adjacent suction and reception portions, and varying heights and positions to optimize ink distribution across the absorbing material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If waste ink is discharged to the waste ink tank and absorbed by the waste ink absorbing material, then the waste ink is absorbed by gravity force, but the waste ink becomes localized at a lower portion and cannot be dispersed to the entire region
Solution Approach 1:
The waste ink tank is divided into multiple regions: a reception portion for receiving waste ink, a liquid absorbing material region, and a suction portion. This segmentation allows different functional zones to handle liquid distribution and absorption separately, preventing localization and ensuring uniform dispersion across the entire absorbing material.
Solution Approach 2:
A suction portion is introduced that generates a suction force acting in the opposite direction to gravity. This suction force counteracts the gravitational pull that causes liquid to accumulate at the lower portion, enabling liquid to be drawn upward and distributed uniformly throughout the absorbing material.
2Productivity
If waste ink permeates by gravity force, then the permeation occurs naturally, but the permeation is slow and limited to lower regions
Solution Approach 1:
The suction portion generates a suction force that counteracts gravity and actively draws liquid upward and outward into the absorbing material. This creates faster permeation speed and expands the coverage area to include upper and lateral regions that gravity alone cannot reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction force introduces a new dimension of liquid movement by drawing liquid not only downward but also upward and laterally into the absorbing material. This multi-directional permeation significantly expands the effective coverage area and accelerates the overall absorption process.
3Ease of operation
If the suction action portion is positioned higher than the reception portion, then suction can disperse liquid upward against gravity, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The suction portion is integrated into the existing waste ink tank structure as an additional functional component rather than a separate system. The suction portion communicates with the liquid absorbing material through the tank wall, merging the suction function with the absorption function in a unified structure that minimizes overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction portion serves multiple functions: it generates suction force to draw liquid into the absorbing material, disperses liquid uniformly across the material, and prevents liquid localization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity.
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 suction force accelerates ink absorption, ensuring it permeates across a broader area of the absorbing material more quickly and thoroughly, improving the container's ability to collect and hold liquid efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a suction action portion which makes a suction force act on the liquid absorbing material
Implementation Method 2
the waste ink which has been discharged to the waste ink tank and absorbed by the waste ink absorbing material is easy to permeate to a lower side on the waste ink absorbing material by the gravity force
Implementation Method 3
the waste ink which has been discharged to the waste ink tank and absorbed by the waste ink absorbing material is easy to permeate to a lower side on the waste ink absorbing material by the gravity force
Data Source
AI summary
A waste ink tank which is capable of collecting discharged ink includes an ink absorbing material which absorbs discharged ink and a recess which makes a suction force act on the ink absorbing material.