Flow-Through Printhead With Independent Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers face challenges in effectively supplying ink or print fluid to printheads in image forming apparatuses, particularly in shuttle-type printers, where existing solutions require complex circulation systems and additional equipment.
Innovation Solution
A flow-through printhead design with independent reservoirs that create a differential pressure to circulate and supply print fluid, eliminating the need for additional circulating units like pumps or degas modules, allowing fluid to flow through the printhead from a supply manifold to a return manifold and vice versa.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional circulation systems are used to supply print fluid to printheads, then the printhead receives adequate fluid supply, but the device complexity increases due to additional circulating units like pumps and degas modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex circulating units (pumps, degas modules, circulation tubes) from the fluid supply system. Instead of using these additional components, the invention uses the printhead's own jetting channels to serve as the circulation path, with independent reservoirs creating differential pressure to drive fluid flow through the printhead and back to the reservoirs.
Solution Approach 2:
The jetting channels in the printhead serve dual functions: they both eject print fluid onto the medium and simultaneously serve as the circulation pathway for returning non-jetted fluid to the reservoirs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate circulation tubes and reduces overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If additional circulating units are installed to ensure proper fluid circulation, then fluid circulation is maintained, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the printhead's existing jetting channels to perform the circulation function that would otherwise require separate dedicated circulation components. The independent reservoirs with differential pressure automatically drive the fluid circulation without requiring external pumps or control mechanisms, making the system self-sufficient and easier to manufacture.
3Device complexity
If independent reservoirs with differential pressure are used to supply print fluid, then the mechanism is simplified by eliminating circulating units, but additional pressure control mechanisms may be needed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the fluid supply function with the circulation function by using the same jetting channels for both purposes. The independent reservoirs are positioned and pressurized such that they simultaneously supply fluid to the printhead and receive returned fluid, combining multiple functions into existing components rather than adding separate pressure control mechanisms.
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 simplifies the fluid supply mechanism by eliminating the need for additional equipment, ensuring efficient circulation and distribution of print fluid without additional circulating units, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of image forming apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
A differential pressure between the reservoirs creates a flow of print fluid through the printhead, which supplies the jetting channels with the print fluid used for jetting, and also re-circulates the non-jetted print fluid through the jetting channels.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for providing a print fluid to a flow-through printhead. The printhead has a row of jetting channels configured to jet droplets of a print fluid, a supply manifold fluidly coupled to the row of jetting channels, and a return manifold fluidly coupled to the row of jetting channels. A first reservoir is fluidly coupled to the supply manifold, and a second reservoir is fluidly coupled to the return manifold. The first reservoir and the second reservoir are fluidly isolated except through the printhead.