Branch Flow Path Segmentation for Ink Ejection Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in stabilizing ink flow while effectively trapping undesirable substances like bubbles, as increasing filter area to reduce flow resistance decreases ink flow speed, making it difficult to discharge bubbles during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a flow path opening/closing mechanism that adjusts the number of branch flow paths to control ink flow speed, allowing for efficient trapping of undesirable substances by concentrating or dispersing the ink flow through filters, depending on the operational need.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the area of the filter is increased to reduce flow path resistance, then ink supply stability is improved, but the flow speed of ink passing through the filter decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single filter is divided into multiple filters arranged in parallel branch flow paths. This segmentation allows the ink flow to be distributed across multiple filters simultaneously, maintaining high flow speed while providing sufficient total filtration area to ensure stable ink supply.
2Reliability
If the area of the filter is increased to reduce flow path resistance, then ink supply stability is improved, but the ability to discharge bubbles during maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is segmented into multiple parallel branch flow paths with individual flow path opening/closing mechanisms. During maintenance operations, these mechanisms allow selective closing of branches to concentrate flow through remaining open branches, increasing flow speed for effective bubble discharge while maintaining stable ink supply during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path opening/closing mechanisms enable dynamic adjustment of the filter system configuration. During printing, all branches are open for stable supply; during maintenance, branches are dynamically closed to concentrate flow and increase speed for bubble discharge, making the system adaptable to different operational requirements.
3Reliability
If the number of branch flow paths is increased to improve trapping of undesirable substances, then filter efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the flow path control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple independent branch flow paths, each with its own flow path opening/closing mechanism. This modular segmentation allows the system to achieve high trapping efficiency through parallel filtration while keeping control complexity manageable through standardized, repeatable units.
Solution Approach 2:
Each flow path opening/closing mechanism serves multiple functions: controlling flow distribution during printing, enabling bubble discharge during maintenance, and providing redundancy. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems for different operations, managing overall system 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
This configuration ensures stable ink supply and efficient trapping of fluidal undesirable substances, preventing incomplete ejections by adjusting the flow path resistance and allowing for effective discharge during maintenance operations.
Implementation Method 1
the area of the filter needs to be large to reduce the flow path resistance... the flow speed of the ink passing through the filter decreases
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of branch flow paths for dividing the liquid into a plurality of flows in an intermediate portion of the liquid supply flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejector that ejects a liquid, a liquid supply flow path that connects a liquid supply source and the liquid ejector, a plurality of branch flow paths provided in the liquid supply flow path, filters that are disposed separately in each of the branch flow paths, and a flow path opening/closing mechanism that opens and closes the branch flow paths.