Flow Path Member Design for Ink Sedimentation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet type recording devices face issues with uneven ink concentration due to sedimentation, leading to printing quality problems, as existing solutions like stirring spheres increase device size or fail to effectively stir ink when not in use, and branching flow paths do not adequately address sedimentation issues.
Innovation Solution
A flow path member design with multiple inlet and outlet ports aligned in a specific configuration, where the flow paths intersect, increasing the number of boundaries for ink diffusion and reducing sedimentation by altering the flow path arrangement to change the direction of ink flow, thereby dispersing sedimented components and maintaining ink concentration uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a stirring sphere is provided in the sub-tank to stir ink, then ink concentration uniformity is improved, but device size is increased and the stirring function fails when the sub-tank is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the stirring function from a separate mechanical component (stirring sphere) and integrates it into the flow path structure itself. The flow path is designed to automatically mix ink through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for additional stirring components and reducing device size while maintaining effective ink mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path member performs the stirring function autonomously through its designed geometry. The specific configuration of inlet and outlet ports creates natural flow patterns that mix ink without requiring external mechanical intervention, allowing the system to self-regulate ink concentration uniformity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a circulation unit is provided to circulate ink between storage unit and recording head, then ink concentration uniformity is improved, but device size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the circulation and mixing functions into the flow path member itself. By integrating multiple inlet and outlet ports in specific configurations, the flow path member simultaneously achieves ink circulation and mixing without requiring separate circulation units, thereby reducing overall device size.
3Productivity
If flow path branches are used to distribute ink, then ink distribution is improved, but sedimentation issues persist and mixing effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating specific flow conditions at different locations within the flow path. The strategic placement of inlet and outlet ports generates localized flow patterns that enhance mixing effectiveness, ensuring uniform ink concentration throughout the flow path while maintaining efficient distribution.
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 reduces sedimentation and maintains ink concentration uniformity without the need for stirring units or circulation systems, allowing for smaller device sizes and improved printing quality by diffusing sedimented components and maintaining ink uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
increasing the number of boundaries for ink diffusion and reducing sedimentation by altering the flow path arrangement to change the direction of ink flow, thereby dispersing sedimented components
Data Source
AI summary
A flow path member includes a liquid flow path which includes a flow path inlet portion which has a first inlet port and a second inlet port, and a flow path outlet portion which has a first outlet port communicating with the first inlet port and a second outlet port communicating with the second inlet port, in which, in the flow path inlet portion, the first inlet port and the second inlet port are aligned in a reference direction, and in which, in a flow path extending from the first inlet port to the first outlet port and a flow path extending from the second inlet port to the second outlet port, at least parts of the flow paths, in terms of the lengths of the respective flow paths, are disposed in a direction different from the reference direction.