Cyclonic Object Separator for Ink Jet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face issues with bubbles and particles obstructing ink pathways, leading to misplaced, intermittent, or weak ink jetting due to existing filtration and buoyancy-based bubble removal methods, which are inefficient and complex, causing filter clogging and increased printer size.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet printer subassembly with a cyclonic flow generator and object extractor, where the cyclonic flow focuses bubbles and particles into concentrated streams, allowing for efficient separation and trapping of bubbles and particles using a bubble extractor, reducing the need for filtration and buoyancy-based systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filtration and buoyancy-based bubble removal methods are used, then bubbles and particles can be removed from ink, but the system becomes complex and filters clog frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful objects (bubbles and particles) from the ink stream by introducing a separate gas stream that selectively carries these objects away from the main ink flow, eliminating the need for complex filtration systems while maintaining reliable bubble and particle removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gas stream as an intermediary medium that facilitates the removal of bubbles and particles from the ink. This gas stream acts as a mediator that selectively transports harmful objects out of the ink flow without requiring direct contact with filters or complex mechanical separation systems
2Reliability
If filtration systems are used to remove bubbles and particles, then ink quality can be maintained, but filter clogging occurs and increases maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts bubbles and particles from the ink stream before they can clog filters by using a gas stream to selectively remove these objects through a separate pathway, eliminating the need for filters that require maintenance and cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary removal of bubbles and particles from the ink stream before the ink reaches the print head, preventing potential clogging issues upstream and eliminating the need for downstream filter maintenance
3Reliability
If buoyancy-based bubble removal is used, then bubbles can be removed from ink, but the device size increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by introducing a gas stream that actively carries bubbles and particles out of the ink flow, replacing passive buoyancy-based removal with an active gas-driven mechanism that is more efficient and compact
Solution Approach 2:
The gas stream serves as an intermediary that directly transports bubbles and particles out of the ink flow, providing a more efficient removal mechanism than buoyancy alone while reducing the space required for bubble separation
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 solution enables smaller, less complex printer subassemblies by effectively removing bubbles and particles, improving print quality and reducing the risk of filter clogging, while maintaining robustness and simplifying fabrication.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of stacked plates are arranged to create cyclonic flow of the ink in the object separator. The cyclonic flow focuses the objects into one or more focused flow streams.
Implementation Method 2
The cyclonic flow generator is configured to cause vortex flow of ink containing objects, e.g., bubbles and/or particles and to focus the objects into one or more concentrated streams.
Implementation Method 3
When the objects comprise bubbles, the object extractor can be configured to preferentially trap bubbles.
Data Source
AI summary
Approaches to remove objects from ink in an ink jet printer are described. An object separator for an ink jet printer includes one or more inlets configured to allow passage of ink that includes objects such as bubbles and particles into the object separator. The object separator has a number of stacked plates. Some of the plates have curved channels which are connected through other plates that include vias. The plates are arranged to form at least one cyclonic flow generator, the cyclonic flow generator configured to focus the objects into one or more focused flow streams. The object separator includes one or more object outlets that allow objects to exit the object separator and at least one ink outlet that allows the ink to exit the object separator.