Free Flow Fluid Delivery System Froth Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing devices face challenges in controlling the flow of printing fluid between the container and the printhead without increasing froth development and spreading, which affects the backpressure force needed for efficient ink ejection.

Innovation Solution

A free flow fluid delivery system incorporating a unidirectional pump and a froth separating container, along with a double bubbler and valve configuration, manages gas pressure and separates froth from fluid, preventing froth spread and maintaining backpressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If air is bubbled through the printing fluid to maintain backpressure force, then the backpressure force is maintained, but significant foaming or froth development occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackpressure forceVSAvoidfroth development

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid delivery system is divided into separate functional zones: a first zone where air bubbles are generated and a second zone where froth is separated from the printing fluid. This segmentation allows the backpressure function to be achieved without directly bubbling air through the fluid, thereby preventing froth development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A froth separating container acts as an intermediary component between the air supply and the printing fluid. This intermediary structure allows air to be introduced into the system while preventing the formation and propagation of froth, thus maintaining backpressure without the harmful effects of foaming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a pump is used to move printing fluid between container and printhead, then fluid flow is controlled, but froth may be spread within the system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow controlVSAvoidfroth spreading

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful froth is extracted and removed from the printing fluid stream through the froth separating container. By taking out the froth component, the pump can continue to move the printing fluid efficiently without spreading the harmful froth throughout the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potentially harmful froth that may form during pumping into a separable byproduct. The froth separating container captures and removes the froth, allowing the pumping operation to proceed effectively while preventing froth propagation, thus turning a potential harm into a manageable and removable element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Stress or pressure

If foam or capillary members are used in the container, then backpressure force is provided, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackpressure forceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical foam or capillary structures with a simpler froth separating container design. This substitution maintains the necessary backpressure force while reducing system complexity by using a more straightforward separation mechanism rather than relying on porous foam materials or capillary action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 configuration effectively controls the flow of printing fluid, reduces froth development, and maintains consistent backpressure, ensuring efficient ink ejection and print quality.

Implementation Method 1

a froth separating container, along with a double bubbler and valve configuration, manages gas pressure and separates froth from fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity settling: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

Some of these containers include a bubbler feature that is configured to allow air to bubble into the container through the printing fluid to maintain the desired backpressure force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas bubbling: Bubble

Implementation Method 3

In some implementations, a pump may also be provided to move the printing fluid in one or both directions between the container and the printhead

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS7500737B2Free flow fluid delivery system for printing device

Publication Date: 2009.03.10 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A free flow fluid delivery system, such as, for example in a printing device, includes a fluid supply container configured to hold a printing fluid, a separating container coupled to the fluid supply container and configured to receive a froth made of gas and the printing fluid and output the printing fluid in the froth to the fluid supply container and output the gas in the froth to atmosphere. A pump is coupled to the separating container and configured to urge the froth into the separating container, and a valve is coupled to the fluid supply container and configurable selectively to allow printing fluid to flow out of the fluid supply container.