Fluidic Structure for Air Bubble Removal in Print Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air removal methods in solid ink print heads during power down cycles result in waste ink due to the introduction of air bubbles, which are difficult to reclaim, leading to inefficiencies and increased user costs as energy savings requirements necessitate more frequent power downs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a vent chamber with larger vents and strategically designed flow paths and chambers to separate air bubbles from ink, allowing air to escape while recovering the ink through controlled pressure profiles and geometric parameters that prevent ink loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional air removal approaches are used (transporting air bubbles to vent holes, forcing air through jetting elements or vents), then air bubbles are removed from the fluidic structure, but ink is lost as waste that cannot be reclaims
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first chamber for ink supply and transport, and a second chamber specifically designed as a vent chamber with larger vents for air bubble removal. This segmentation allows air and ink to be separated and handled differently, enabling effective air removal while preserving ink.
Solution Approach 2:
Air bubbles are extracted from the ink stream by transporting them to the second vent chamber where they can escape through larger vents. The design separates the air removal function from the ink ejection function, allowing air to be removed without forcing ink through the same path where it would become waste.
2Reliability
If purge cycles are performed more frequently to remove air introduced during power down, then air bubbles are removed from the print head, but more ink is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The vent chamber design enables recovery of ink that would otherwise be wasted during air bubble removal. Ink that enters the vent chamber with air bubbles is contained and can return to the first chamber through the fluidic paths, rather than being expelled as waste through jetting elements or traditional vents.
3Use of energy by moving object
If heaters are turned off during power down to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but air bubbles are introduced into the channels or manifolds
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic structure is designed with built-in air bubble transport paths and a vent chamber that are ready to receive and handle air bubbles before they cause problems. This preliminary preparation allows the system to tolerate power down cycles without heaters, knowing that air bubbles will be captured and removed through the dedicated vent chamber rather than disrupting normal operation.
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
Effectively removes air bubbles without generating excess waste ink, ensuring the print head's performance and reducing user costs by reclaiming ink during the purge cycle.
Implementation Method 1
air bubbles are transported to a second chamber having larger vents where the air bubbles can escape to an external atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
pressure profiles and geometric parameters that prevent ink loss
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic structure has a first chamber having a connection to a fluid reservoir and a connection to an array of apertures, the chamber forming a flow path between the fluid reservoir and the array of apertures, a second chamber having a connection to at least one vent connected to an atmosphere external to the fluidic structure, and at least one path between the first chamber and the second chamber.