Dual Pressure Adjuster Circulation Unit for Faster First Print
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face issues with prolonged first print out time (FPOT) due to increased time required for the negative pressure chamber to reach the desired pressure value after circulation or printing, leading to potential discharge defects if printing is initiated prematurely.
Innovation Solution
A circulation unit with first and second pressure adjusters, each comprising a valve chamber, pressure control chamber, communication port, valve, flexible member, and pressure plate, which adjust pressure through coordinated displacement to ensure rapid pressure equalization and prevent discharge defects by maintaining optimal pressure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single pressure control mechanism is used in circulation-type liquid discharge apparatus, then the structure is simple, but the time required for pressure stabilization after standby is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control mechanism is divided into two independent pressure control chambers (first and second), each capable of independently adjusting pressure. This segmentation allows parallel pressure adjustment in different regions, reducing overall pressure stabilization time without requiring a fundamentally more complex system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass flow path is configured to allow ink to flow between the first and second pressure control chambers, enabling preliminary pressure equalization and stabilization before printing operations begin. This preliminary action ensures that when circulation resumes after standby, pressure is already near the desired level.
2Reliability
If pressure in negative pressure chamber is not adequately initialized before circulation resumes, then discharge defects occur, but increasing wait time increases First Print Out Time
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control chambers are equipped with valves that respond to pressure differential signals, automatically adjusting pressure based on feedback from the system state. This ensures pressure is rapidly initialized to the correct level before circulation resumes, eliminating the need for extended wait times while maintaining discharge quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary pressure adjustment through the bypass flow path and pressure control chambers before circulation officially resumes. This preliminary initialization of pressure conditions ensures that when printing begins, the pressure is already at the desired level, preventing discharge defects without extending First Print Out Time.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a bypass flow path is added to connect pressure control chambers, then pressure stabilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass flow path serves multiple functions: it equalizes pressure between chambers, provides an alternative flow route during different operational phases, and enables preliminary pressure stabilization. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single structural addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path system is segmented into multiple independent paths (main circulation path and bypass path), allowing flexible control of ink flow between pressure control chambers. This segmentation enables precise pressure management while keeping each individual path relatively simple in design.
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 solution ensures rapid pressure stabilization, reducing FPOT and preventing discharge defects by ensuring the pressure in the pressure chamber reaches the desired value quickly, thereby enhancing printing efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the first valve is in an opened state in a case where pressure in the first pressure control chamber is lower than PX, the first valve is in a closed state in a case where pressure in the first pressure control chamber is equal to or higher than PX
Implementation Method 2
the first pressure plate serving as another surface of the first pressure control chamber and being displaceable in coordination with the first flexible member; the second pressure plate serving as another surface of the second pressure control chamber and being displaceable in coordination with the second flexible member
Data Source
AI summary
A circulation unit includes first and second pressure adjusters, each including a valve chamber, a pressure control chamber, a communication port providing communication therebetween, a valve configured to open and to close the communication port, a flexible member, and a pressure plate. The valve is opened when in its pressure control chamber is lower than PX, or closed otherwise. The pressure plate and the valve of the second pressure adjuster are in a contact state when pressure in its pressure control chamber is lower than PY, or in a non-contact state otherwise. Here, PX and PY satisfy PX−PY<|ΔP| (upper limit value≥zero, with which the pressure plate and the valve of the second pressure adjuster switch to a contact state before a differential pressure between the pressure control chambers reaches that necessary for starting printing after operation of a circulation pump being stopped is resumed).