Dual Pump Ink Circulation for Stable Reserves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in simultaneously implementing continuous printing operations and ink circulation due to unstable ink reserves in upstream and downstream tanks, making it difficult to maintain high-quality printing.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with two storage tanks and two pumps, where one pump supplies ink from the second storage tank to the print head and the other recirculates ink between the storage tanks, controlled by a detection system to maintain stable ink levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one pump is used to circulate ink, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ink reserve stability in upstream and downstream tanks becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The ink circulation system is segmented into two independent pump units: a first pump for circulating ink between upstream and downstream tanks, and a second pump for supplying ink from the downstream tank to the print head. This segmentation allows independent control of circulation and supply functions, resolving the contradiction by enabling stable ink reserves while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the operation of the first and second pumps based on real-time ink level detection. The system transitions between different operational states (circulation mode, supply mode, or combined mode) to maintain stable ink reserves in both tanks while adapting to varying printing demands.
2Reliability
If ink circulation is implemented, then printing quality is improved, but simultaneous continuous printing operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous ink circulation between tanks while simultaneously maintaining continuous ink supply to the print head during printing operations. The control unit coordinates both pump operations to ensure uninterrupted circulation and supply, allowing high-quality printing to continue without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting unit continuously monitors ink levels in both tanks and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts pump operations to maintain stable ink reserves during continuous printing, ensuring printing quality is preserved while productivity is maintained.
3Ease of operation
If ink is supplied from downstream tank to print head, then printing function is achieved, but ink reserve stability becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply function is separated into two independent pump units with distinct roles. The first pump handles circulation between tanks, while the second pump specifically manages supply to the print head. This segmentation allows the supply function to operate reliably while the circulation function maintains ink reserve stability in both tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting unit monitors ink levels in real-time and provides feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the second pump's operation to maintain stable ink reserves in the downstream tank while ensuring adequate supply to the print head for continuous printing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a first circulation pump which is provided in a channel between a print head and a first storage tank and which supplies ink from a second storage tank to the print head. The printing apparatus further includes a second circulation pump which is provided in a channel between the first storage tank and the second storage tank which supplies ink from the first storage tank to the second storage tank. The printing apparatus further includes a control unit which controls the driving of the first circulation pump and second circulation pump, and a detecting unit which detects the amount of ink stored in the second storage tank. The control unit controls the driving of the second circulation pump on the basis of a detection result by the detecting unit.