Elastically Deformable Sub Ink Tank for Meniscus Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink jet printers rely on pumps to supply ink from a main tank to a sub tank, which can lead to issues with barometric pressure fluctuations damaging the meniscus in the nozzle and requiring complex mechanisms for pressure adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet printer design featuring an elastically deformable sub ink tank that uses an actuator to push and release, allowing ink supply without a pump, maintaining optimal barometric pressure and preventing meniscus damage through controlled deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump is used to supply ink from the main ink tank to the sub ink tank, then ink supply is achieved, but the device complexity increases and barometric pressure fluctuations can damage the meniscus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump from the ink supply system entirely. Instead of using a pump to force ink from the main tank to the sub tank, the system relies on elastic deformation of the sub tank itself to create the pressure differential needed for ink supply, thereby eliminating the complex pressure adjustment mechanisms associated with pump-based systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sub ink tank performs dual functions: it stores ink and simultaneously generates the pressure differential needed for ink supply through its elastic deformation. The tank's own structural properties (elasticity) are utilized to create the necessary pressure conditions, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for external pump mechanisms
2Ease of manufacture
If the sub ink tank is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then manufacturing is easier, but pressure adjustment becomes complex requiring additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The sub ink tank is designed with elastic deformability, allowing it to dynamically change its volume and shape in response to pressure conditions. This dynamic property enables the tank to automatically adjust internal pressure by deforming elastically, eliminating the need for complex mechanical pressure control mechanisms while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the sub tank from rigid to elastically deformable. This parameter change allows the tank to naturally respond to pressure variations through elastic deformation, simplifying the overall system by eliminating the need for additional pressure control mechanisms
3Quantity of substance
If barometric pressure inside the sub ink tank becomes excessive, then ink supply pressure increases, but the meniscus in the nozzle is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic structure of the sub ink tank acts as a cushioning mechanism that prevents excessive pressure buildup. When pressure increases, the tank deforms elastically to absorb the excess pressure, thereby protecting the meniscus from damage before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of pressure fluctuations into a beneficial self-regulating mechanism. The elastic deformation of the sub tank, which could be seen as a structural weakness, actually serves to automatically regulate pressure and protect the meniscus, turning a potential problem into a protective feature
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 solution enables efficient ink supply and pressure management, ensuring consistent printing quality by eliminating the need for pumps and simplifying pressure adjustment mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The sub ink tank is elastically deformable. The actuator applies a pushing force to the sub ink tank and releases the pushing after applying the pushing force
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet printer is provided with an ink jet head, an elastically deformable sub-ink tank, an actuator, an ink quantity detection device, controller, and a main ink tank which communicates with the sub-ink tank. The actuator performs a predetermined action, such that the actuator applies a pushing force to the sub-ink tank and then releases the pushing force. The ink quantity detection device detects whether an ink quantity within the sub-ink tank is less than a first value. The controller controls the actuator to perform the predetermined action in a first case where the ink quantity within the sub-ink tank is less than the first value. The controller controls the actuator such that the actuator performs the predetermined action in a second case where the ink quantity within the sub-ink tank is more than the first value and a predetermined condition is satisfied.