Composite Liquid-Air Membrane for Inkjet Printer Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air bubbles in inkjet printers interfere with the delivery of ink and other printing liquids, entering the system from outside or due to temperature and pressure changes, and existing mechanisms struggle to prevent air from re-entering the system when pressure is lost.
Innovation Solution
A composite liquid-air separating membrane is developed, comprising a wettable, liquid-philic material in close contact with a liquid-phobic material, allowing air bubbles to pass from the wet side to the dry side under normal pressure differences while blocking air flow back into the wet side when pressure is lost on the dry side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer liquid-phobic membrane is used to remove air bubbles, then air can pass through from wet side to dry side, but air can re-enter the liquid when pressure is lost on the dry side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite membrane structure with two distinct layers: a liquid-phobic layer for air permeability and a liquid-philic layer for liquid barrier function. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties - the liquid-phobic layer allows air to pass during normal operation while the liquid-philic layer prevents air re-entry when pressure is lost, as it preferentially allows liquid to pass through rather than gas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the membrane have different properties tailored to specific functions. The liquid-phobic layer is positioned to face the air bubble source for efficient air removal, while the liquid-philic layer is positioned to face the liquid for preventing air re-entry. This spatial differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction by optimizing each layer's function for its specific role in the pressure differential scenario.
2Productivity
If a membrane allows air passage during normal operation, then air bubbles are removed efficiently, but the membrane cannot block air when vacuum pressure is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane's effective permeability changes based on the pressure differential parameter. During normal operation with positive pressure differential, the liquid-phobic layer dominates and allows air passage for efficient bubble removal. When vacuum is lost and pressure differential reverses, the liquid-philic layer becomes dominant and blocks air flow. This dynamic parameter-based switching resolves the contradiction between removal efficiency and blocking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane system dynamically adapts its function based on operating conditions. The relative effectiveness of each layer changes with pressure differential, allowing the system to switch between air removal mode (high productivity) and air blocking mode (high reliability). This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the membrane's air flow characteristics dependent on the operational pressure state.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a liquid-philic membrane is used to prevent air re-entry, then air blocking is improved, but air bubble removal capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The composite membrane combines liquid-philic and liquid-phobic materials in a layered structure where each material's properties are optimized for its specific function. The liquid-phobic layer maintains high air permeability for efficient bubble removal, while the liquid-philic layer provides air blocking capability when needed. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by distributing the functional requirements across different materials rather than requiring a single material to satisfy both opposing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is segmented into two functional layers with distinct properties. The liquid-phobic segment handles air bubble removal during normal operation, while the liquid-philic segment handles air re-entry prevention when pressure is lost. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each segment to optimize its performance for its specific function without compromising the other segment's capabilities.
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
Effectively removes air bubbles from the inkjet printer's liquid delivery system, ensuring reliable ink flow and preventing air re-entry even when vacuum pressure is lost, maintaining efficient printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first part made of a wettable, liquid-philic material in close contact with a second part made of a liquid-phobic material
Implementation Method 2
a first part made of a wettable, liquid-philic material in close contact with a second part made of a liquid-phobic material
Implementation Method 3
pass air through the membrane at the pressure differences generated to move air bubbles from the wet side of the membrane to the dry side
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
In one example, a liquid-gas separator includes a composite membrane to pass a gas but not a liquid at a first pressure difference across the membrane and to block the gas passing back through the membrane at a second pressure difference smaller than the first pressure difference.