Droplet Discharge Apparatus Common Flow Path Ink Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing droplet discharge apparatuses require multiple large ink storage tanks for each color, leading to waste when replacing inks, especially in large printing applications, as they cannot efficiently handle different ink colors or components without significant ink preparation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A droplet discharge apparatus with a common flow path system that allows for the transfer of ink and cleaning liquid between multiple ink packs, using valves and pumps to manage ink flow and minimize waste, enabling efficient switching between ink colors and reducing ink storage needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate ink storage tanks are provided for each color, then ink replacement is possible, but the apparatus size increases and ink waste occurs during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ink storage tanks into a single shared storage space where different colored inks are stored separately in distinct regions. The tank common part serves as a common reservoir for multiple colors, eliminating the need for multiple separate tanks while maintaining the ability to store and supply different ink colors independently through dedicated supply paths for each color
Solution Approach 2:
The ink storage system is segmented into color-specific regions within the shared tank, with each color having its own storage area and supply path. The ink supply paths are divided into separate flow paths for each color (C, M, Y, BK), allowing independent ink replacement and supply without mixing different colors, thus enabling versatility while reducing overall tank volume
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate ink storage tanks are provided for each color, then ink replacement is possible, but ink waste occurs during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ink waste problem by introducing a cleaning liquid supply path that is separate from the ink supply paths. Cleaning liquid is used to flush and clear the ink supply paths during color replacement, preventing residual ink from being wasted and ensuring complete replacement of the previous color without contamination or waste
Solution Approach 2:
Cleaning liquid acts as an intermediary substance between ink replacement operations. It is supplied through a dedicated cleaning liquid supply path to clear the flow paths during color changes, enabling efficient ink replacement without waste by thoroughly removing residual ink before the next color is supplied
3Loss of substance
If a single shared ink storage system is used, then ink waste is reduced, but ink mixing between different colors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The shared ink storage system is segmented into color-specific storage regions and dedicated supply paths for each color. Each color (C, M, Y, BK) has its own ink supply path that is physically separated from others, preventing mixing while sharing the common storage space. This segmentation maintains ink color purity despite the shared storage architecture
4Productivity
If cleaning liquid is supplied to clear flow paths, then ink replacement efficiency is improved, but additional system complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning liquid supply path is designed to serve multiple colors simultaneously through a single unified system. The cleaning liquid can be supplied to all ink supply paths through the shared common flow path, enabling efficient cleaning during ink replacement without requiring separate cleaning systems for each color, thus improving productivity while limiting complexity increase
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 allows for efficient ink management, reducing waste and enabling easy color changes without the need for multiple large storage tanks, improving operational efficiency in printing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump that is provided in the common flow path system and feeds the first ink from the first ink pack to the second ink pack through the common flow path system
Implementation Method 2
a second pump that feeds the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid container to the first ink pack through the cleaning liquid flow path and the common flow path system
Data Source
AI summary
A droplet discharge apparatus includes a first head, a first-ink pack storing first ink, a second head, a second ink pack storing second ink, a cleaning liquid container storing cleaning liquid, a common flow path system, a cleaning liquid flow path, a first pump feeding the first ink from the first ink pack to the second ink pack through the common flow path system, a second pump feeding the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid container to the first ink pack through the cleaning liquid flow path and the common flow path system, a first valve controlling a liquid flow rate between the common flow path system and the first ink pack, a second valve controlling a liquid flow rate between the common flow path system and the second ink pack, a third valve controlling a liquid flow rate between the common flow path system and the cleaning liquid flow path, and a control unit, wherein the common flow path system, the first valve, and the second valve are located higher than a liquid surface in the first ink pack and a liquid surface in the second ink pack, and wherein the control unit transfers the first ink from the first ink pack to the second ink pack, and transfers the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid container to the first ink pack.