Waste Liquid Container Surface Energy Distribution

The patent applies local quality by creating a surface energy distribution where specific regions of the container bottom have different surface energies. The first region has lower surface energy to receive waste ink, while the second region has higher surface energy to facilitate flow toward the absorbing member. This localized variation in surface properties enables efficient ink dispersion and absorption without requiring protrusions that would increase container volume.

The patent replaces the mechanical system of protrusions with a surface energy distribution system. Instead of using physical protrusions to disperse ink, the invention uses controlled variations in surface energy across the container bottom to achieve the same function. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical structures while maintaining effective ink flow and absorption.