Ejection Device Common Pressure Mechanism for Inkjet Back Pressure Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing configurations require multiple pressure applying mechanisms to generate varying back pressures between ejection heads in inkjet recording apparatuses, limiting flexibility and increasing complexity.

Innovation Solution

A common pressure applying mechanism and a pressure difference generating mechanism, utilizing hydraulic head differences and resistances, are used to create relative pressure differences between ejection heads, reducing the number of required pressure applying mechanisms and enhancing positional flexibility of supply tanks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pressure applying mechanisms are provided for each supply portion to generate varying back pressures between ejection portions, then relative pressure differences between ejection portions can be generated, but the number of pressure applying mechanisms increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to generate varying back pressuresVSAvoidnumber of pressure applying mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple pressure applying functions into a single common pressure applying mechanism that serves all supply portions. This mechanism applies a common back pressure to all supply portions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate pressure applying mechanisms for each supply portion while still enabling control of liquid flow to ejection portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pressure difference generating mechanism as an intermediary component that creates relative pressure differences between ejection portions by applying different resistances to the liquid flow paths. This intermediary mechanism allows for pressure differentiation without requiring separate pressure applying mechanisms at each supply portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pressure applying mechanisms are used to control back pressures of respective printing heads, then varying back pressures can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of back pressuresVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple pressure applying mechanisms into a single common pressure applying mechanism, significantly simplifying the device structure and reducing manufacturing complexity. The common mechanism applies uniform back pressure to all supply portions, and pressure differentiation is achieved through the pressure difference generating mechanism rather than through multiple separate pressure applying devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If pressure applying mechanisms are provided for each supply portion, then precise pressure control is achieved, but positional flexibility of supply tanks is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure control precisionVSAvoidpositional flexibility of supply tanks

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates pressure control into a single common pressure applying mechanism that serves all supply portions, which enhances the positional flexibility of supply tanks. Since the common mechanism applies pressure uniformly to all supply portions, the supply tanks can be positioned more freely without requiring individual pressure control mechanisms for each tank.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure difference generating mechanism acts as an intermediary that creates the necessary pressure differences between ejection portions through resistance control rather than through separate pressure applying mechanisms. This intermediary approach allows supply tanks to be positioned flexibly while still achieving precise control over liquid flow to ejection portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach allows for the generation of varying back pressures between ejection heads while minimizing the number of pressure applying mechanisms, offering greater flexibility in tank positioning and ink flow resistance management.

Implementation Method 1

a common pressure applying mechanism that applies pressure onto the liquids at the supply portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a pressure difference generating mechanism that generates a relative pressure difference between the ejection portions for the liquids to be supplied from the supply portions to the ejection portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10538097B2Ejection device and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.01.21 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An ejection device includes: ejection portions that eject liquids; supply portions that supply the liquids to the ejection portions respectively; a common pressure applying mechanism that applies pressure onto the liquids at the supply portions; and a pressure difference generating mechanism that generates a relative pressure difference between the ejection portions for the liquids to be supplied from the supply portions to the ejection portions.