A microfluidic voltage regulator, ink supply system, control method and related equipment

Abstract

This invention provides a microfluidic pressure stabilizing device, an ink supply system, a control method, and related equipment, relating to the field of microfluidic control technology. The microfluidic pressure stabilizing device includes a substrate, multiple microfluidic channels, and an electrically controlled valve. All microfluidic channels penetrate the substrate vertically, and each microfluidic channel branches from an upper inlet to multiple lower outlets from the upper end of the substrate. The microfluidic channels supply liquid from the upper inlet to the lower outlet. The electrically controlled valve is located at the upper end of the substrate and includes an adjustable gate. The adjustable gate can selectively close the upper inlet to control the corresponding microfluidic channel to achieve graded pressure stabilization of the liquid. This microfluidic pressure stabilizing device aims to solve the limitations of existing ink supply systems in pressure regulation, such as the difficulty in achieving precise, stable, and easily integrated pressure regulation. It improves the control accuracy and response speed of the ink supply system and provides possibilities for system integration and miniaturization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microfluidic control technology, and more specifically, to a microfluidic voltage regulator, an ink supply system, a control method, and related equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Reference Appendix Figure 4 Existing ink supply systems typically include an ink cartridge 410, a supply pump 420, a filter 430, a printhead 450, and an exhaust pump 460 connected in sequence. The exhaust pump 460 is connected to the ink cartridge 410 to form a closed loop. The basic workflow of inkjet printing is to use the pressure difference between the supply pump and the exhaust pump to draw ink from the ink cartridge, then supply it to the printhead through the filter. Return ink returns to the ink cartridge through the return ink pipe, forming a circulation loop. A stable ink supply system is crucial for ensuring print quality and continuous production during inkjet printing. The inability to quantify pressure within the printhead can easily lead to pressure imbalances, resulting in printing streaks, color differences, or even air intake into the ink chamber, causing ink interruption.

[0003] Currently, pressure regulation in ink supply systems primarily relies on two methods. The first is a coarse adjustment by regulating the pressure values ​​of the supply and discharge pumps. The second is to detect and determine in real-time whether the current pressure fluctuation value is within a preset range, and then adjust the relative height between the ink cartridge / liquid level and the printhead. However, these two existing pressure regulation technologies themselves may introduce new pressure fluctuations and are difficult to accurately detect and adjust the pressure at the printhead. In particular, adjusting the relative height between the ink cartridge / liquid level and the printhead is not only space-constrained but also cumbersome and redundant, hindering system integration and miniaturization.

[0004] Because the pressure inside the printhead is difficult to quantify, the aforementioned pressure fluctuations can easily lead to pressure imbalances within the printhead, resulting in color differences in printing stripes, and may even cause air to be drawn into the ink chamber, causing ink interruption, severely affecting print quality and production efficiency. Existing technologies have limitations in solving the pressure fluctuation problem in ink supply systems, lacking a precise, stable, and easily integrated pressure regulation solution. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a microfluidic voltage regulator, an ink supply system, a control method, and related equipment, which aims to solve the limitations of existing ink supply systems in terms of pressure regulation, the difficulty in achieving precision, stability, and easy integration, improve the control accuracy and response speed of the ink supply system, and provide possibilities for system integration and miniaturization.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a microfluidic voltage regulator, comprising:

[0007] Matrix;

[0008] Multiple microfluidic channels are provided, all of which extend through the substrate in a vertical direction, and each microfluidic channel branches from an upper inlet to multiple lower outlets from the upper end of the substrate to the lower end of the substrate; the microfluidic channels are used to supply liquid to flow from the upper inlet to the lower outlet.

[0009] An electrically controlled valve is disposed at the upper end of the base and includes an adjustable gate. The adjustable gate can control the corresponding microfluidic channel to close by selectively closing the upper inlet, thereby achieving graded pressure stabilization of the liquid.

[0010] The microfluidic pressure stabilizing device provided by the present invention selectively closes the upper inlet of the microfluidic channel through the adjustable gate of the electronically controlled valve, thereby achieving graded pressure stabilization of the liquid. This effectively solves the problems of large pressure fluctuations and low adjustment accuracy in existing ink supply systems, improves the control accuracy and response speed of the ink supply system, and provides the possibility for system integration and miniaturization.

[0011] Furthermore, the upper inlets of all the microfluidic channels are distributed in multiple concentric circles; the adjustable gate can close or open all the upper inlets distributed under the same diameter circle by changing the gate diameter.

[0012] Furthermore, all upper entrances under circles of the same diameter have the same opening diameter.

[0013] Furthermore, the microfluidic channel branches into multiple lower outlets from the upper inlet in a Y-shaped, fishbone-shaped, tree-like, or triangular shape.

[0014] Secondly, the present invention provides an ink supply system, including the microfluidic voltage regulator described above.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes an ink cartridge, a supply pump, a filter, a printhead, and an exhaust pump. The ink cartridge, the supply pump, the filter, the microfluidic pressure regulator, the printhead, and the exhaust pump are connected in sequence, and the exhaust pump is connected to the ink cartridge to form a closed loop. Pressure sensors are provided at both the ink inlet and outlet of the printhead. The microfluidic pressure regulator is used to control the ink supply pressure based on the pressure data from the pressure sensors.

[0016] Thirdly, the present invention provides a control method based on the above-described ink supply system, comprising the following steps:

[0017] S1. Get the ink type;

[0018] S2. Obtain pressure fluctuation information at the ink inlet and ink outlet of the printhead;

[0019] S3. Based on the preset pressure level table, determine the pressure stabilization level according to the ink type and pressure fluctuation information;

[0020] S4. Based on the voltage stabilization level, determine the microfluidic pipes that need to be closed in the microfluidic voltage stabilization device, and control the adjustable gate in the microfluidic voltage stabilization device to close the corresponding upper inlet.

[0021] Fourthly, the present invention provides a control device based on the above-described ink supply system, comprising:

[0022] The first acquisition module is used to acquire the ink type;

[0023] The second acquisition module is used to acquire pressure fluctuation information at the ink inlet and ink outlet of the printhead.

[0024] The determination module is used to determine the pressure stabilization level based on a preset pressure level table, ink type, and pressure fluctuation information;

[0025] The control module is used to determine the microfluidic pipes that need to be closed in the microfluidic voltage regulator according to the voltage regulation level, and to control the adjustable gate in the microfluidic voltage regulator to close the corresponding upper inlet.

[0026] Fifthly, the present invention provides an electronic device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, perform the steps of the control method provided in the third aspect above.

[0027] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, performs the steps of the control method provided in the third aspect above.

[0028] As can be seen from the above, the microfluidic pressure stabilizing device provided by this invention achieves graded pressure stabilization of liquid by setting multiple microfluidic channels running vertically through the substrate, each microfluidic channel branching from the upper inlet into multiple lower outlets, and selectively closing the upper inlet using the adjustable gate of an electronically controlled valve. This device utilizes the capillary action and fluid resistance characteristics of the microfluidic channels to effectively control ink flow, regulate and stabilize the pressure of the passing ink, thereby absorbing the pressure oscillations generated when the liquid pump pumps ink and stabilizing the ink output pressure of the printhead. Compared to the existing technology's method of coarse adjustment by adjusting pump pressure or ink cartridge level, the microfluidic pressure stabilizing device of this application provides more precise and stable pressure control, avoiding the potential introduction of new pressure fluctuations in the prior art, and overcoming the disadvantages of ink cartridge level adjustment being limited by space and cumbersome operation. By employing this refined pressure regulation, this application effectively solves the problems of printing stripe color difference and ink interruption caused by air intake in the ink chamber due to pressure fluctuations in existing ink supply systems. It significantly improves the control accuracy and response speed of the ink supply system, thereby enhancing printing quality and production efficiency, and providing an innovative solution for achieving the integration and miniaturization of ink supply systems.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing embodiments of the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a microfluidic voltage regulator provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the microfluidic channels inside the matrix in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the process of opening the upper entrance of the adjustable gate in stages according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the existing ink supply system.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an ink supply system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 A flowchart of a control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Label Explanation:

[0039] 100, Substrate; 200, Microfluidic Channel; 210, Upper Inlet; 220, Lower Outlet; 300, Adjustable Gate; 410, Ink Cartridge; 420, Supply Pump; 430, Filter; 440, Microfluidic Voltage Regulator; 450, Printhead; 460, Discharge Pump; 470, Pressure Sensor; 500, First Acquisition Module; 600, Second Acquisition Module; 700, Determination Module; 800, Control Module; 13, Electronic Equipment; 1301, Processor; 1302, Memory; 1303, Communication Bus. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows for communication; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0044] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Also, in the description of this invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0047] Reference Appendix Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 The present invention provides a microfluidic voltage regulator, comprising:

[0048] Matrix 100;

[0049] Multiple microfluidic channels 200 are provided, all of which extend through the substrate 100 in the vertical direction. Each microfluidic channel 200 branches from an upper inlet 210 to multiple lower outlets 220 from the upper end to the lower end of the substrate 100. The microfluidic channels 200 are used to supply liquid to flow from the upper inlet 210 to the lower outlet 220.

[0050] An electrically controlled valve is located at the upper end of the base 100 and includes an adjustable gate 300. The adjustable gate 300 can control the corresponding microfluidic pipe 200 to close by selectively closing the upper inlet 210, thereby achieving graded pressure stabilization of the liquid.

[0051] This application introduces a microfluidic voltage regulator 440, which utilizes its unique graded voltage regulation mechanism to effectively solve the pressure fluctuation problem in traditional ink supply systems, significantly improving the control accuracy and response speed of the ink supply system, thereby avoiding the risk of decreased print quality and reduced production efficiency.

[0052] In this context, "substrate 100" refers to the main structure supporting the microfluidic channel 200 and the electrically controlled valve, typically made of a material with good mechanical strength and chemical stability. "Microfluidic channel 200" refers to a micron- or submicron-sized fluid channel formed within the substrate 100, whose size effect causes the fluid to exhibit unique capillary action and fluid resistance characteristics when flowing within it. "Upper inlet 210" and "lower outlet 220" are the ports connecting the microfluidic channel 200 to an external fluid system. The "electrically controlled valve" is a valve whose opening and closing state is controlled by an electrical signal. In this application, its core component is the "adjustable gate 300," used to precisely control the on / off state of the microfluidic channel 200, thereby achieving graded pressure stabilization of the liquid.

[0053] Specifically, multiple microfluidic channels 200 are disposed within the substrate 100. All microfluidic channels 200 extend vertically through the substrate 100. Each microfluidic channel 200 branches from an upper inlet 210 to multiple lower outlets 220 from the upper end to the lower end of the substrate 100. The microfluidic channels 200 are used to supply liquid flow from the upper inlet 210 to the lower outlets 220. The branching structure of the microfluidic channels 200 can be implemented in various ways. For example, a simple Y-shaped branching can be used, where one upper inlet 210 branches into two lower outlets 220. More complex fractal structures, such as tree fractals, can also be used, where each branch further branches to form multi-level branches, thereby increasing the fluid contact area or achieving finer fluid distribution. These branching structures can be precisely manufactured inside the substrate 100 using micromachining techniques. For example, in a PDMS matrix, a pre-designed branching pattern can be transferred onto the PDMS material using soft lithography, and then cured to form a microfluidic channel 200.

[0054] In addition, the microfluidic pressure regulator 440 also includes an electrically controlled valve. The electrically controlled valve is located at the upper end of the substrate 100 and includes an adjustable gate 300. The adjustable gate 300 can selectively close the upper inlet 210 to control the corresponding microfluidic channel 200 to achieve graded pressure regulation of the liquid. The adjustable gate 300 can be implemented in various ways. For example, a microvalve manufactured using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology can be used, driven by principles such as electrostatic force, electromagnetic force, or thermal expansion. Specifically, a microvalve composed of a flexible thin film and driving electrodes can be designed; when a voltage is applied, the thin film deforms, thereby closing or opening the upper inlet 210. Another implementation method is to use a piezoelectric actuator, controlling the opening and closing of the gate through the deformation of the piezoelectric material. For example, a piezoelectric ceramic sheet undergoes minute deformation when a voltage is applied; this deformation can be amplified and used to push or pull a tiny gate, causing it to cover or move away from the upper inlet 210.

[0055] The core of the microfluidic pressure stabilizing device 440 proposed in this application lies in utilizing the capillary action and fluid resistance characteristics of the microfluidic channel 200, combined with the adjustable gate 300 of the electrically controlled valve, to achieve precise graded pressure stabilization of the liquid. When liquid flows into the microfluidic channel 200 from the upper inlet 210, due to the size effect of the microfluidic channel 200, the liquid flow within it generates a certain fluid resistance and is affected by capillary action. These characteristics give the microfluidic channel 200 itself a certain pressure stabilizing capability.

[0056] To address the pressure fluctuation problem in traditional ink supply systems, the microfluidic pressure regulator 440 of this application operates as follows: When the ink supply system detects a pressure fluctuation, the adjustable gate 300 of the electronically controlled valve selectively closes part of the upper inlet 210 according to a preset pressure regulation strategy, thereby shutting down the corresponding microfluidic channel 200. For example, when the pressure fluctuation is large and a stronger pressure regulation effect is required, fewer microfluidic channels 200 can be closed, allowing more liquid to flow through the remaining microfluidic channels 200, thus absorbing pressure oscillations by increasing fluid resistance. Conversely, when the pressure fluctuation is small and a weaker pressure regulation effect is required, more microfluidic channels 200 can be closed, allowing less liquid to flow through the remaining microfluidic channels 200 to maintain a stable output pressure. This method of adjusting fluid resistance by controlling the number of microfluidic channels 200 that are open and closed achieves graded pressure regulation of the liquid.

[0057] For example, in an ink supply system, pressure oscillations generated when the supply pump pumps ink are controlled by a microfluidic pressure regulator 440. At this time, the electronically controlled valve dynamically adjusts the opening and closing state of the adjustable gate 300 based on feedback data from the pressure sensor, selectively closing or opening portions of the microfluidic channel 200. In this way, the microfluidic pressure regulator 440 absorbs the pressure oscillations generated when the liquid pump pumps ink and stabilizes the ink pressure at the printhead. Therefore, the ink pressure at the printhead is precisely controlled and stabilized, avoiding problems such as color differences in printing stripes and ink interruptions caused by pressure fluctuations, significantly improving the control accuracy and response speed of the ink supply system.

[0058] The microfluidic pressure regulating device 440 proposed in this application aims to address the limitations of existing ink supply systems in terms of pressure regulation. Traditional methods mainly rely on adjusting the pump pressure or the ink cartridge level. These methods may not only introduce new pressure fluctuations but also make it difficult to accurately control the pressure at the printhead, resulting in complex operation and hindering system integration.

[0059] The core innovation of this application lies in the introduction of a microfluidic channel 200 with a bifurcated structure and an adjustable gate 300 of an electrically controlled valve, thereby achieving graded pressure stabilization of the liquid. Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this application are as follows:

[0060] First, through the capillary action and fluid resistance characteristics of multiple microfluidic channels 200, the microfluidic pressure stabilizing device 440 can actively absorb and buffer the pressure oscillations generated by the fluid pump, thereby stabilizing the fluid pressure at the source. This is fundamentally different from the traditional passive regulation method that adjusts pump pressure or liquid level, which is often lagging and lacks precision.

[0061] Secondly, the adjustable gate 300 of the electronically controlled valve can selectively close the upper inlet 210, thereby precisely controlling the number of microfluidic channels 200 participating in pressure stabilization. This "graded pressure stabilization" mechanism allows the pressure stabilization effect to be finely adjusted according to actual needs. For example, in an ink supply system, the pressure stabilization level can be dynamically adjusted according to the ink type and pressure fluctuations to adapt to different working conditions. This offers greater flexibility and precision than the coarse pressure adjustment methods in existing technologies.

[0062] Furthermore, the integrated design of the microfluidic voltage regulator 440 makes it easy to install in the ink supply system without requiring complex spatial layout or cumbersome mechanical operations. This solves the space limitations and operational redundancy problems faced by traditional methods of adjusting the ink cartridge and the relative height between the ink level and the printhead, which is beneficial for system integration and miniaturization.

[0063] In summary, the microfluidic pressure regulating device 440 of this application provides a precise, stable and easily integrated pressure regulation solution through its unique graded pressure regulating mechanism. It effectively overcomes the limitations of existing technologies in solving the pressure fluctuation problem of ink supply systems, significantly improves the control accuracy and response speed of ink supply systems, and thus provides more reliable protection for systems such as inkjet printing that require precise liquid supply.

[0064] In some embodiments, reference is made to the appendix. Figure 1 and attached Figure 3 All the upper inlets 210 of the microfluidic channels 200 are distributed in multiple concentric circles; the adjustable gate 300 can close or open all the upper inlets 210 distributed under the same diameter circle by changing the gate diameter.

[0065] Specifically, the adjustable gate 300 is designed with an adjustable opening diameter, for example, it can adopt an iris-like structure similar to a camera aperture, or it can be composed of multiple movable fan-shaped blades. When it is necessary to adjust the voltage regulation level, by precisely controlling the opening diameter of the adjustable gate 300 to match or be slightly smaller than the diameter of a specific concentric circle, the synchronous closing or opening of all the upper entrances 210 on that concentric circle can be achieved. For example, as the gate diameter gradually increases, the upper entrances 210 on the concentric circles arranged from the inside out can be opened sequentially; conversely, as the gate diameter gradually decreases, the upper entrances 210 on the concentric circles arranged from the outside in can be closed sequentially.

[0066] The solution presented in this application effectively solves the control complexity problem that may exist in traditional selective closure methods by arranging the upper inlets 210 of the microfluidic channel 200 in concentric circles and using an adjustable gate 300 to control the flow by changing the gate diameter. Specifically, the concentric circle arrangement logically groups the upper inlets 210, allowing upper inlets 210 located on the same circumference to be treated as a whole for operation. The adjustable gate 300, by changing its own diameter, can simultaneously close or open all upper inlets 210 on one or more concentric circles, thereby achieving batch control of the corresponding microfluidic channel 200. This mechanism enables the pressure stabilizing device to adjust the total effective area through which the fluid passes in a discrete, stepwise manner, thereby precisely controlling the fluid resistance and pressure, and achieving more refined and rapid pressure regulation.

[0067] Through the above technical solution, this application significantly simplifies the control logic and actuator of the microfluidic pressure regulator 440, improving the efficiency and response speed of pressure regulation. Since a set of upper inlets 210 can be controlled simultaneously, the device can respond quickly when a rapid change in pressure regulation level is required or when dealing with sudden pressure fluctuations. Furthermore, this structured design allows for finer division of pressure regulation levels; by setting concentric circles of different diameters, more diverse and precise pressure regulation levels can be achieved, thus better adapting to the pressure stability requirements of different liquid types and application scenarios.

[0068] In some embodiments, all upper inlets 210 under the same diameter circle have the same opening diameter, and the upper inlets 210 under different diameter circles have different opening diameters.

[0069] The solution in this application ensures that the fluid resistance and capillary force remain consistent in these channels when the adjustable gate 300 closes or opens all the upper inlets 210 under the same diameter circle, thus achieving uniform fluid control. Simultaneously, the upper inlets 210 under different diameter circles have different opening diameters, allowing the adjustable gate 300 to selectively introduce or cut off channels with different fluid characteristics when changing the gate diameter. Therefore, by controlling the opening or closing of the upper inlets 210 under different diameter circles, multi-stage, fine-tuned regulation and stabilization of fluid pressure can be achieved.

[0070] Through the above technical solution, the microfluidic voltage regulator 440 can provide more precise and diverse voltage regulation levels. This differentiated inlet diameter design ensures that each voltage regulation level corresponds to a fluid channel combination with clear and predictable fluid characteristics, thereby improving the accuracy of voltage regulation and the system's response sensitivity. Its advantages are particularly significant in scenarios requiring fine adjustment of ink supply pressure to adapt to different ink types or printhead operating conditions, effectively enhancing the control precision and stability of the ink supply system.

[0071] In some embodiments, the microfluidic channel 200 branches from the upper inlet 210 into multiple lower outlets 220 in a Y-shaped, fishbone-shaped, tree-like, or triangular shape.

[0072] The solution presented in this application employs specific bifurcated structural shapes to more precisely control fluid behavior within the microfluidic channel 200. For example, Y-shaped and triangular structures provide clear flow paths, facilitating rapid response under varying pressure regulation requirements. The fishbone-shaped structure, through its symmetrical and uniform branch distribution, ensures a more balanced distribution of fluid among multiple lower outlets 220, effectively absorbing pressure oscillations generated during ink pumping and stabilizing printhead ink pressure. The tree-like fractal structure, utilizing its high surface area to volume ratio, significantly enhances capillary action and fluid resistance, enabling the microfluidic channel 200 to maintain stable pressure regulation even at extremely low flow rates, making it particularly suitable for applications with extremely high pressure stability requirements. These structured designs allow fluid to flow in the intended pattern through the microfluidic channel 200, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of pressure regulation.

[0073] Through the above technical solutions, the microfluidic pressure regulating device 440 can select or combine different microfluidic channel bifurcation structures according to actual application needs, thereby optimizing fluid resistance and capillary action to achieve more precise and stable pressure regulation. This not only improves the control accuracy and response speed of the ink supply system, but also simplifies the manufacturing process through structural optimization, reduces production costs, and enhances the adaptability of the device under different fluid characteristics and pressure fluctuation conditions.

[0074] In some embodiments, the substrate 100 is made of fluoroplastic or polyolefin material, or it may be made of special composite material or metal material to facilitate etching or 3D printing. In order to resist acids and alkalis, an anti-corrosion film may even be coated on the surface of the substrate 100 and the wall of the microfluidic channel 200.

[0075] Specifically, the choice of material for the substrate 100 is crucial to the performance of the microfluidic voltage regulator 440. The substrate 100 is made of fluoroplastics (such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), etc.) or polyolefin materials (such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), etc.) to leverage their excellent chemical inertness, corrosion resistance, and good biocompatibility, ensuring that the device maintains structural stability and fluid purity when handling various liquids, especially acidic, alkaline, or organic solvents. These materials also have low surface energy, which helps reduce liquid adhesion and clogging within the microfluidic channels 200.

[0076] Specialty composite materials (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers, glass fiber reinforced polymers, etc.) or metallic materials (such as stainless steel, titanium alloys, etc.) can also be used as alternatives to matrix 100. Specialty composite materials can provide higher mechanical strength and stiffness while maintaining a certain degree of chemical resistance; metallic materials have excellent thermal conductivity, machining accuracy and pressure resistance, and are suitable for specific application scenarios with higher requirements for these properties.

[0077] In practical applications, the material selection for the substrate 100 also needs to consider the ease of manufacturing processes. Fluoroplastics and polyolefins are easily formed into microfluidic structures through injection molding, hot pressing, or precision machining; special composite materials and metal materials can achieve complex and precise microfluidic channel 200 structures through advanced manufacturing technologies such as etching (e.g., photolithography, wet etching, dry etching) or 3D printing (e.g., selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), etc.). These manufacturing methods can effectively improve the integration and production efficiency of the microfluidic voltage regulator 440.

[0078] Furthermore, to enhance the acid and alkali resistance of the substrate 100 and the microfluidic channel 200, an anti-corrosion film can be coated on their surfaces and walls. This film can be understood as a protective layer with high chemical stability. For example, it can be formed on the surface of the substrate 100 and the walls of the microfluidic channel 200 using techniques such as atomic layer deposition (ALD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), or physical vapor deposition (PVD) to create a dense film of parylene, silica, silicon nitride, or Teflon. The purpose is to provide additional chemical protection when the corrosion resistance of the substrate material itself is insufficient to cope with extremely corrosive liquids, thereby significantly extending the service life of the device.

[0079] This application's solution, through optimized material selection for the substrate 100 and supplemented by surface anti-corrosion film coating, effectively solves the problems of poor material compatibility, insufficient durability, and manufacturing limitations that traditional microfluidic pressure regulating devices 440 may face when handling diverse or corrosive liquids. Specifically, the chemical inertness of fluoroplastics and polyolefin materials ensures that the liquid does not react with the substrate 100 when flowing in the microfluidic channel 200, thereby avoiding device corrosion and liquid contamination. Simultaneously, the machinability of these materials, as well as special composite materials and metal materials, makes precision etching or 3D printing of the microfluidic channel 200 possible, enabling the creation of more complex and refined fluid control structures. When facing extremely corrosive liquids such as strong acids and alkalis, the anti-corrosion film coated on the surface of the substrate 100 and the walls of the microfluidic channel 200 forms a robust physicochemical barrier, effectively isolating the corrosive medium from contact with the substrate material, thereby fundamentally improving the device's corrosion resistance and long-term operational reliability.

[0080] Through the above technical solutions, the substrate 100 of the microfluidic pressure regulator 440 can adapt to a wider range of liquid types, especially corrosive liquids, significantly improving the chemical stability and service life of the device. Furthermore, optimized material selection and surface treatment processes enhance the manufacturing precision and complexity of the microfluidic channel 200, thus providing a solid foundation for achieving finer pressure control and more stable fluid transmission. This solution not only enhances the durability of the device but also broadens its application range, reduces maintenance costs, and facilitates the mass production and high-precision manufacturing of the microfluidic pressure regulator 440.

[0081] The present invention provides an ink supply system, including the microfluidic voltage regulator 440 in the above embodiments.

[0082] In some embodiments, reference is made to the appendix. Figure 5 The ink supply system also includes an ink cartridge 410, a supply pump 420, a filter 430, a printhead 450, and an exhaust pump 460. The ink cartridge 410, supply pump 420, filter 430, microfluidic pressure regulator 440, printhead 450, and exhaust pump 460 are connected in sequence, and the exhaust pump 460 and ink cartridge 410 are connected to form a closed loop. Pressure sensors 470 are installed at both the ink inlet and outlet of the printhead 450. The microfluidic pressure regulator 440 is used to control the ink supply pressure based on the pressure data from the pressure sensors 470.

[0083] The ink cartridge 410, supply pump 420, filter 430, microfluidic pressure regulator 440, printhead 450, and discharge pump 460 are sequentially connected to form a complete liquid flow path. Specifically, liquid is first drawn from the ink cartridge 410 by the supply pump 420, filtered for impurities by the filter 430, and then enters the microfluidic pressure regulator 440 for pressure regulation and stabilization before flowing to the printhead 450 for spraying. To form a closed loop, the discharge pump 460 is connected to the ink cartridge 410, allowing unused or recycled liquid from the printhead 450 to be returned to the ink cartridge 410, thereby achieving liquid recycling and further stabilizing the system pressure. Furthermore, pressure sensors 470 are installed at both the ink inlet and outlet of the printhead 450. These pressure sensors 470 monitor the ink inlet and outlet pressures of the printhead 450 in real time and feed this pressure data back to the control system. The microfluidic pressure regulator 440 then dynamically controls the ink supply pressure based on the pressure data provided by the pressure sensors 470.

[0084] This application's solution effectively solves the problems of insufficient pressure control accuracy and poor adaptability that may exist in basic solutions by constructing a closed-loop ink supply system with real-time pressure feedback. Specifically, the supply pump 420 is responsible for extracting ink from the ink cartridge 410 and delivering it to the system, while the filter 430 ensures ink cleanliness and avoids clogging. Crucially, the microfluidic pressure regulator 440, upon receiving ink, uses its internal adjustable gate 300 and microfluidic channel 200 to initially stabilize the ink pressure. More importantly, pressure sensors 470 installed at the ink inlet and outlet of the printhead 450 can monitor the actual pressure fluctuations of the ink at the printhead in real time. This real-time pressure data is fed back to the control system, which determines whether the current ink supply pressure is within the ideal range. If a pressure fluctuation exceeds a preset threshold, the control system immediately sends a command to the microfluidic pressure regulator 440 to adjust the opening and closing state of the adjustable gate 300, thereby precisely regulating the ink flow rate and impedance through the microfluidic channel 200, and thus dynamically stabilizing the ink inlet and outlet pressures of the printhead 450. The closed-loop connection between the discharge pump 460 and the ink cartridge 410 not only ensures the recycling of ink, but also helps maintain the overall pressure balance of the entire ink supply system and further absorbs pressure pulsations that may be generated during the pumping process.

[0085] Reference Appendix Figure 6 The present invention provides a control method for the ink supply system based on the above embodiments, comprising the following steps:

[0086] S1. Get the ink type;

[0087] S2. Obtain pressure fluctuation information at the ink inlet and outlet of the printhead;

[0088] S3. Based on the preset pressure level table, determine the pressure stabilization level according to the ink type and pressure fluctuation information;

[0089] S4. Based on the voltage stabilization level, determine the microfluidic pipes that need to be closed in the microfluidic voltage stabilization device 440, and control the adjustable gate in the microfluidic voltage stabilization device 440 to close the corresponding upper inlet.

[0090] Specifically, obtaining the ink type in step S1 refers to the specific type or formulation of the ink used in the ink supply system. Different types of ink may have different physicochemical properties, such as viscosity, density, and surface tension. These properties directly affect the flow characteristics of the ink in the microfluidic channel 200 and its response to pressure. Therefore, obtaining the ink type is the basis for subsequent precise pressure regulation control. This ink type can be obtained through user input, automatic system identification (e.g., via RFID tags or sensors on the ink cartridge 410), or preset configuration.

[0091] In step S2, acquiring the pressure fluctuations at the ink inlet and outlet of the printhead means that pressure sensors 470 are installed at both the ink inlet and outlet of the printhead 450. These pressure sensors 470 can monitor the pressure changes of ink at the inlet and outlet of the printhead 450 in real time. Acquiring pressure fluctuations means continuously collecting pressure data through these pressure sensors 470 and analyzing this data to identify instantaneous pressure changes or periodic oscillations. These pressure fluctuations are caused by the operation of the ink supply system 400, such as the ink pump 420 pumping ink and the ink ejection of the printhead 450, and are key parameters that need to be adjusted by a pressure stabilizing device.

[0092] In practical applications, the determination of the pressure stabilization level in step S3 is based on a preset pressure level table. This pressure level table is a key reference, as it links ink type and pressure fluctuations with specific pressure stabilization levels. Specifically, this table is established through extensive experimental data. In experiments, the pressure fluctuations at the ink inlet and outlet of the printhead 450 were measured for different types of ink. Then, based on these measured data, different pressure fluctuation ranges are mapped to a series of digitizable pressure stabilization levels. For example, when the pressure fluctuation is large, the corresponding pressure stabilization level will be higher, indicating a stronger pressure stabilization effect is required; conversely, when the pressure fluctuation is small, the pressure stabilization level will be lower. Through this mapping relationship, the system can query and determine the most suitable pressure stabilization level from the pressure level table based on the current ink type and the real-time monitored pressure fluctuations.

[0093] Furthermore, once the pressure regulation level is determined, the system determines the number of microfluidic channels 200 that need to be closed in the microfluidic pressure regulator 440 based on that level. The microfluidic pressure regulator 440 selectively closes the upper inlet 210 of the microfluidic channels 200 through its adjustable gate 300, thereby changing the number of effective channels through which the ink flows and the fluid resistance, thus regulating and stabilizing the pressure. Specifically, a higher pressure regulation level means a stronger pressure regulation effect is required. In this case, fewer microfluidic channels 200 are closed to maintain a larger effective flow area, allowing the ink to pass through at a relatively high flow rate, while utilizing the capillary action and fluid resistance of the remaining microfluidic channels 200 for pressure regulation. Conversely, a lower pressure regulation level means a relatively weaker demand for pressure regulation. In this case, more microfluidic channels 200 are closed to reduce the effective flow area and increase the fluid resistance, thereby achieving finer pressure regulation. It is worth noting that if the pressure fluctuation is within a preset reasonable range, the pressure stabilization level can be set to zero. This means that no additional pressure regulation is required through the microfluidic pressure stabilizer 440. At this time, all microfluidic channels 200 can be closed, allowing the ink to pass directly through other bypasses or with minimal resistance, or all microfluidic channels 200 can be kept open, depending on the system design.

[0094] This application's solution introduces ink type and real-time pressure fluctuations as control criteria, and combines them with a preset pressure level table to achieve adaptive and refined control of the microfluidic pressure regulator 440. Specifically, step S1 obtains the ink type, providing basic parameters for subsequent pressure stabilization strategies, as different inks respond differently to pressure fluctuations. Step S2 uses pressure sensor 470 to monitor the pressure fluctuations of ink entering and exiting the printhead 450 in real time, providing real-time basis for the current system's required pressure stabilization. Based on the ink type and real-time pressure fluctuations, step S3 uses a preset pressure level table to map complex physical phenomena into quantifiable pressure stabilization levels, thus providing clear instructions for control decisions. Finally, step S4, based on the determined pressure stabilization level, precisely controls the adjustable gate 300 in the microfluidic pressure regulator 440, changing the fluid resistance by adjusting the number of opened microfluidic channels 200, thereby dynamically absorbing pressure oscillations and stabilizing the ink output pressure of the printhead 450. This multi-parameter, adaptive control logic enables the microfluidic voltage regulator 440 to provide just the right voltage regulation effect according to the actual working conditions, avoiding excessive or insufficient voltage regulation, thereby improving the operating efficiency and stability of the entire ink supply system.

[0095] Through the above technical solution, this application can adaptively adjust the working state of the microfluidic pressure regulator 440 according to different ink types and real-time pressure fluctuations, achieving precise and dynamic pressure stabilization of the ink supply pressure. This significantly improves the control accuracy and response speed of the ink supply system 400, effectively absorbs the pressure oscillations generated when the supply pump 420 pumps ink, and stabilizes the ink output pressure of the printhead 450. Compared with traditional fixed or simple feedback pressure stabilization methods, this solution can better adapt to complex and changing ink supply environments, ensuring that ink can be supplied to the printhead 450 at a stable pressure under various operating conditions, thereby improving print quality and equipment reliability.

[0096] Reference Appendix Figure 7 The present invention provides a control device based on the ink supply system in the above embodiments. This control device is integrated into a back-end control device in the form of a computer program, and includes:

[0097] The first acquisition module 500 is used to acquire the ink type;

[0098] The second acquisition module 600 is used to acquire pressure fluctuation information at the ink inlet and ink outlet of the printhead.

[0099] The determination module 700 is used to determine the pressure stabilization level based on a preset pressure level table, ink type, and pressure fluctuation information.

[0100] The control module 800 is used to determine the microfluidic pipes that need to be closed in the microfluidic pressure regulator 440 according to the pressure regulation level, and to control the adjustable gate in the microfluidic pressure regulator 440 to close the corresponding upper inlet.

[0101] Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention provides an electronic device 13, including: a processor 1301 and a memory 1302. The processor 1301 and the memory 1302 are interconnected and communicate with each other through a communication bus 1303 and / or other forms of connection mechanism (not shown). The memory 1302 stores computer-readable instructions that can be executed by the processor 1301. When the electronic device is running, the processor 1301 executes the computer-readable instructions to execute the control method in any optional implementation of the above embodiments, so as to achieve the following functions: obtaining ink type; obtaining pressure fluctuation information at the ink inlet and ink outlet of the printhead; determining the pressure stabilization level based on a preset pressure level table, according to the ink type and pressure fluctuation information; determining the microfluidic channels that need to be closed in the microfluidic pressure stabilization device according to the pressure stabilization level, and controlling the adjustable gate in the microfluidic pressure stabilization device to close the corresponding upper inlet.

[0102] This invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it performs the control method in any optional implementation of the above embodiments to achieve the following functions: obtaining ink type; obtaining pressure fluctuation information at the ink inlet and outlet of the printhead; determining the pressure stabilization level based on a preset pressure level table, according to the ink type and pressure fluctuation information; determining the microfluidic channels to be closed in the microfluidic pressure stabilization device according to the pressure stabilization level, and controlling the adjustable gate in the microfluidic pressure stabilization device to close the corresponding upper inlet.

[0103] The computer-readable storage medium can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), Programmable Red-Only Memory (PROM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0104] In the embodiments provided by this invention, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and method can be implemented in other ways. The apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. Furthermore, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Additionally, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings, direct couplings, or communication connections may be through some communication interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0105] Furthermore, the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0106] Furthermore, in the various embodiments of the present invention, the functional modules can be integrated together to form an independent part, or each module can exist independently, or two or more modules can be integrated to form an independent part.

[0107] In this document, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.

[0108] The use of terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refers to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the described embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0109] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microfluidic voltage regulator, characterized in that, include: Matrix (100); Multiple microfluidic channels (200) are provided, all of which extend through the substrate (100) in a vertical direction, and each microfluidic channel (200) branches from an upper inlet (210) to multiple lower outlets (220) from the upper end of the substrate (100) to the lower end of the substrate (100); the microfluidic channels (200) are used to supply liquid to flow from the upper inlet (210) to the lower outlet (220); An electrically controlled valve is disposed at the upper end of the base (100) and includes an adjustable gate (300). The adjustable gate (300) can control the corresponding microfluidic channel (200) to close by selectively closing the upper inlet (210) to achieve graded pressure stabilization of liquid pressure. The upper inlets (210) of all the microfluidic channels (200) are distributed in multiple concentric circles; the adjustable gate (300) can close or open all the upper inlets (210) distributed under the same diameter circle by changing the gate diameter.

2. The microfluidic voltage regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, All upper entrances (210) under the same diameter circle have the same opening diameter.

3. The microfluidic voltage regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microfluidic channel (200) branches into multiple lower outlets (220) from the upper inlet (210) in a Y-shaped, fishbone-shaped, tree-like fractal, or triangular shape.

4. An ink supply system, characterized in that, Includes the microfluidic voltage regulator (440) as described in any one of claims 1-3.

5. The ink supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes an ink cartridge (410), a supply pump (420), a filter (430), a printhead (450), and an exhaust pump (460). The ink cartridge (410), the supply pump (420), the filter (430), the microfluidic pressure regulator (440), the printhead (450), and the exhaust pump (460) are connected in sequence, and the exhaust pump (460) and the ink cartridge (410) are connected to form a closed loop. Pressure sensors (470) are provided at both the ink inlet and the ink outlet of the printhead (450). The microfluidic pressure regulator (440) is used to control the ink supply pressure according to the pressure data of the pressure sensor (470).

6. A control method based on the ink supply system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Get the ink type; S2. Obtain pressure fluctuation information at the ink inlet and ink outlet of the printhead; S3. Based on the preset pressure level table, determine the pressure stabilization level according to the ink type and pressure fluctuation information; S4. Based on the voltage regulation level, determine the microfluidic pipes that need to be closed in the microfluidic voltage regulator (440), and control the adjustable gate in the microfluidic voltage regulator (440) to close the corresponding upper inlet.

7. A control device based on the ink supply system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, include: The first acquisition module is used to acquire the ink type; The second acquisition module is used to acquire pressure fluctuation information at the ink inlet and ink outlet of the printhead. The determination module is used to determine the pressure stabilization level based on a preset pressure level table, ink type, and pressure fluctuation information. The control module is used to determine the microfluidic pipes that need to be closed in the microfluidic pressure regulator (440) according to the pressure regulation level, and to control the adjustable gate in the microfluidic pressure regulator (440) to close the corresponding upper inlet.

8. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, perform the steps of the control method as described in claim 6.

9. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it performs the steps of the control method as described in claim 6.

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