Compliant Wall Device for Inkjet Print Head Pressure Spike Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printing systems face issues with air bubbles entering the print head due to negative pressure spikes during connection and disconnection of the conduit, leading to defects in printed images and spattering, as existing solutions fail to effectively manage pressure fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A compliant wall device is placed between the ink tank and the print head, featuring a chamber system with a deflectable membrane that absorbs pressure spikes, preventing air from entering the ink path and maintaining optimal print head pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick connect/disconnect device is used to connect the conduit between the ink tank and print head, then ease of operation is improved, but negative pressure spikes occur causing air bubbles to enter the print head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a compliance chamber filled with ink before the pressure spike can affect the print head. When connection or disconnection causes a pressure spike, the compliance chamber absorbs the shock by allowing its volume to change, cushioning the impact before it reaches the delicate print head apertures and preventing air bubble ingestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliance chamber acts as an intermediary element between the quick connect/disconnect device and the print head. It mediates the pressure fluctuations generated by the quick connection mechanism, transforming the direct pressure transmission path into one that passes through a buffer zone, thereby protecting the print head from harmful pressure spikes.
2Ease of operation
If the conduit is disconnected to refill or maintain the system, then ease of operation is improved, but air bubbles are drawn into the print head apertures causing printing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The compliance chamber provides beforehand cushioning during maintenance operations. When the conduit is disconnected for refilling or maintenance, any pressure spikes or vacuum conditions that occur are absorbed by the compliance chamber's volume changes, preventing air from being drawn back into the print head apertures and contaminating the ink path.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliance chamber serves as an intermediary barrier between the external environment (where air contamination could occur during maintenance) and the print head. It mediates the pressure equilibrium during disconnection events, ensuring that even when the system is open for maintenance, air bubbles are prevented from entering the critical ink delivery path.
3Productivity
If physical movement and complex fluid interactions occur during printing, then productivity is improved, but ink pressure spikes cause spattering and printing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The compliance chamber provides beforehand cushioning for pressure spikes generated during high-speed printing operations. When the print head moves rapidly or when complex fluid interactions occur at high velocities, the compliance chamber absorbs the resulting pressure transients, cushioning them before they reach the ink ejection apertures and preventing ink spattering that would ruin print quality.
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 compliant wall device significantly reduces negative pressure spikes by over five times, minimizing air bubble entry and ensuring consistent ink flow, thus enhancing print quality and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a compliant wall between the first and second chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a first connector arranged to connect to an ink supply, a second connector arranged to connect to a print head, a first chamber arranged between the first and second connectors, the first chamber forming an ink path from the first connector to the second connector, a second chamber arranged adjacent to the first chamber, and a compliant wall between the first and second chambers.A system includes a print head, an ink tank connected to the print head, and a compliant wall device connected between the print head and the ink tank, the compliant wall device having a first chamber forming an ink path between the print head and the ink tank and a second chamber, the first and second chamber separated by a compliant wall.