Continuous Liquid Supply via Dual Main Tank Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional functional liquid supply apparatuses require stopping the plotting process when main tanks need to be changed, leading to reduced productivity due to idle functional liquid droplet ejection heads.
Innovation Solution
A functional liquid supply apparatus with multiple sub-tanks and a tank unit that allows for pressurized liquid feeding, featuring a switching device to alternate between two main tanks, enabling continuous replenishment without stopping the plotting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single main tank is used to replenish functional liquid to sub tanks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases because the plotting process must be stopped when the main tank needs to be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The single main tank is segmented into multiple main tanks (first main tank and second main tank). This allows the system to switch between tanks, enabling continuous operation without stopping the plotting process when one tank needs to be changed or replenished.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a mechanism where one main tank can be discarded (emptied or needing replacement) while another main tank is actively used. The switching device enables recovery of productivity by seamlessly transitioning to the remaining functional tank, ensuring continuous functional liquid supply to sub tanks.
2Reliability
If the plotting process is stopped to change main tanks, then the operational reliability is improved by ensuring proper tank replacement, but the productivity is reduced due to idle ejection heads
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device enables continuous useful action by automatically or manually switching between first and second main tanks. When one tank is depleted, the system transitions to the other tank without interrupting the functional liquid supply to sub tanks, thereby maintaining continuous plotting operation and preventing idle ejection heads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares multiple main tanks in advance, so when one tank is being used, another tank is already ready for immediate switching. This preliminary preparation ensures that tank replacement does not require stopping the plotting process, as the backup tank is pre-positioned and ready to take over.
3Productivity
If multiple main tanks are introduced with a switching device, then the productivity is enhanced by maintaining continuous plotting, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device serves multiple functions: it selects between first and second main tanks, controls the flow path of functional liquid, and enables seamless transition between tanks. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing continuous operation capability without requiring completely separate redundant systems.
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 allows for uninterrupted operation of functional liquid droplet ejection heads during main tank changes, enhancing productivity by maintaining continuous functional liquid supply.
Implementation Method 1
a tank unit which replenishes the functional liquid to the plurality of sub tanks by pressurized liquid feeding
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a functional liquid supply apparatus having: a plurality of sub tanks, a tank unit which replenishes the functional liquid to the plurality of sub tanks, an upstream side functional liquid channel of which an upstream side thereof is connected to the tank unit and a downstream side thereof is connected to each of the sub tanks, and a plurality of third opening and closing valves which replenish the functional liquid to each of the sub tanks by its' opening and closing operations. The tank unit 122 has a pair of main tanks, nitrogen gas supply units connected to the pair of the main tanks respectively, and a switching device which is capable of switching a pressurized liquid of the functional liquid fed from the pair of the main tanks alternatively.