Wiper Cleaner Ink Absorption Mechanism for Increased Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper cleaners for inkjet printers have limited ink absorber volume, leading to frequent replacements and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An adhering ink absorption mechanism with a flat plate-shaped ink absorber supported by an ink absorber supporting portion, allowing for increased volume and easy replacement, featuring a bent extension region and a lid for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ink absorber is mounted on a cleaner holder with a plate structure, then the ink absorber can be easily replaced, but the volume of the ink absorber is limited and cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The ink absorber is designed with an extension region that protrudes downward from the cleaner holder in the vertical direction, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to increase volume. This allows the ink absorber to extend below the holder structure, effectively increasing absorption capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint or complicating the mounting mechanism.
2Productivity
If the ink absorber volume is increased to reduce replacement frequency, then operational efficiency improves, but the cleaner holder structure cannot accommodate larger absorbers
Solution Approach 1:
The ink absorber is segmented into two functional regions: a placed portion that sits on the cleaner holder for mounting and replacement, and an extension region that protrudes downward for increased absorption volume. This segmentation allows the absorber to achieve large volume without requiring a more complex holder structure, as the extension region simply hangs below the existing holder geometry.
3Volume of moving object
If the ink absorber is made with a flat plate shape and extension region, then the volume is increased, but the mounting and replacement process may become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The extension region of the ink absorber is pre-formed to protrude downward from the placed portion. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the ink absorber is mounted on the cleaner holder, the extension region automatically assumes its ink-absorbing position without requiring additional assembly steps or adjustments, maintaining ease of mounting while achieving increased volume.
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
Enhances ink absorption capacity and reduces replacement frequency, improving operational efficiency and maintaining high-quality printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
an ink absorber to absorb ink adhering to a wiper by being brought into contact with the wiper
Implementation Method 2
an ink absorber such as a sponge is brought into contact with the upper surface or the upper portion of the wiper, and the adhering ink is absorbed by the ink absorber
Data Source
AI summary
An adhering ink absorption mechanism for a wiper cleaner that facilitates mounting of an ink absorber and replacement of the ink absorber, includes an ink absorber to absorb ink adhering to a wiper by being brought into contact with the wiper, and an ink absorber supporting portion to support the ink absorber at an upper position of the wiper in a state where a contact region with the wiper is released to enable the wiper to be brought into contact with the ink absorber from below by a lifting operation. The ink absorber has a flat plate shape, and includes a placed portion placed on and supported by the ink absorber supporting portion, and an extension region portion bent at an edge of the placed portion and extending downward.