Filter Unit Bubble Removal via Centrifugal Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fine bubbles in inkjet printers often remain within the filter unit due to buoyancy, making it difficult for them to pass through the filter during maintenance modes, leading to ink ejection problems as they compress and shrink, preventing proper pressure application and ink flow.
Innovation Solution
A filter unit design with a circular or polygonal space portion, a filter at one end, and a protruding member at the other end that directs bubbles toward the center due to centrifugal force when the ink flows rotationally, allowing more bubbles to pass through during maintenance modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is provided within the head to catch bubbles during printing mode, then bubble removal capability is improved, but fine bubbles remain within the filter unit during maintenance mode due to buoyancy and compression
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is divided into multiple functional regions: a filtering portion with the filter for catching bubbles during printing mode, and a discharge portion with a discharge hole for removing bubbles during maintenance mode. This segmentation allows the same filter unit to perform both bubble filtration and bubble discharge functions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic operation modes: printing mode where the filter catches bubbles, and maintenance mode where bubbles are discharged through the discharge hole. The system dynamically switches between these modes to handle different bubble removal requirements, preventing fine bubble accumulation while maintaining reliable bubble filtration.
2Productivity
If maintenance mode ejects ink by applying pressure to compress bubbles, then ink ejection is maintained, but bubbles shrink and remain within the filter unit
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the bubble discharge function from the filtering function by providing a separate discharge hole in the discharge portion. During maintenance mode, compressed bubbles are directed to the discharge hole and removed from the filter unit, preventing their accumulation while maintaining ink ejection capability through pressure application.
3Reliability
If the filter catches all bubbles during printing mode, then ink quality is improved, but the filter becomes blocked and prevents bubble passage during maintenance mode
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is segmented into a filtering portion that maintains ink quality by catching bubbles during printing mode, and a discharge portion with a discharge hole that enables bubble passage during maintenance mode. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing dedicated pathways for different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is designed with multi-functionality to perform both bubble filtration during printing mode and bubble discharge during maintenance mode. The presence of both the filter and discharge hole enables the same unit to handle conflicting requirements of blocking bubbles for quality while allowing bubble passage for maintenance.
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 design effectively removes bubbles from the filter unit by ensuring they contact the filter, preventing accumulation and allowing their efficient removal, thus preventing ink ejection issues by ensuring proper pressure application during printing.
Implementation Method 1
a protruding member, provided at the surface on the other end of the space portion in the axial direction thereof, that protrudes toward a center area of the surface on the one end of the space portion
Data Source
AI summary
A filter unit includes: a space portion, through which a liquid passes, whose outer cross-sectional shape when cut along the direction orthogonal to the axial direction is circular or polygonal; a filter provided at the surface on one end side of the space portion in the axial direction thereof; a protruding member, provided at the surface on the other end side of the space portion in the axial direction thereof, that protrudes toward a center area of the surface on the one end side of the space portion; an inflow channel that allows the liquid to flow into the space portion from a direction tangential to the side circumferential surface of the space portion; and an outflow channel that allows the liquid to pass through the filter and flow out from the space portion.