Dual-Valve Ink Pressure Regulator With Low-Hysteresis Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing systems face challenges in maintaining consistent ink pressure across multiple printheads, leading to high costs due to the need for expensive diaphragm pumps and electronically-controlled pressure regulators, and passive pressure regulating valves suffer from hysteresis and limited flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulating valve design featuring a diaphragm-controlled second valve member with a spring bias, which passively regulates fluid flow through an orifice without sealing or shut-off functions, combined with a solenoid-actuated first valve member for shut-off, allowing for efficient and cost-effective ink pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive pressure regulating valves with sealing mechanism are used, then cost is reduced and localized pressure control is achieved, but hysteresis and pressure fluctuation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two separate valve members: a first valve member (needle valve) for shut-off function and a second valve member (piston) for pressure regulation function. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function, eliminating the hysteresis associated with sealing mechanisms while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing/shut-off function is extracted from the pressure regulation mechanism. The first valve member handles shut-off with a sealing mechanism, while the second valve member handles continuous pressure regulation without sealing, thereby eliminating hysteresis in the pressure control path.
2Reliability
If diaphragm pumps and electronically-controlled pressure regulators are used, then ink pressure control is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulation system is designed to be self-regulating through the spring-biased piston mechanism that automatically adjusts the second orifice opening based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for expensive electronic sensors and controlled actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
Electronic control systems are replaced with a purely mechanical spring-biased piston mechanism that uses elastic potential energy storage and pressure differential to achieve automatic pressure regulation without electronic components.
3Reliability
If sealing valve members are used for pressure regulation, then pressure control is achieved, but flow rate is limited due to opening and closing action
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the pressure regulation path. The second valve member (piston) regulates pressure through variable orifice opening without making sealing contact, allowing continuous high flow rates while the first valve member handles shut-off separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The second valve member provides continuous dynamic pressure regulation by varying the orifice opening area rather than simply opening and closing, enabling both high flow rates and precise pressure control simultaneously.
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 provides localized, cost-effective ink pressure regulation with reduced hysteresis and increased flow rates, maintaining optimal ink pressure across printheads while minimizing the need for expensive pumps and sensing circuitry.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biased away from the orifice
Implementation Method 2
a spring biased away from the orifice
Implementation Method 3
in response to a pressure differential across the diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulating valve for an inkjet printhead. The valve includes: a valve inlet connect to a valve outlet; via a flow path; a first orifice positioned in the flow path having a sealable first seat; a movable first valve member configured for sealing engagement with the first seat; a second orifice positioned in the flow path; a movable second valve member configured for regulating a fluid flow rate through the second orifice; a regulator chamber having the valve outlet and comprising a diaphragm operatively connected to the second valve member, such that movement of the diaphragm moves the second valve member relative to the second orifice; and a biasing mechanism for resiliently biasing the diaphragm away from the second orifice.