Portable High Field Conductivity Measurement Device for Printing Press Ink
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Solution Overview
Problem
High field conductivity measurements in printing presses, such as liquid electrophotography systems, face challenges due to low field conductivity measurements being inaccurate or unmeasurable, and the need for large, cumbersome instruments that disrupt the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A portable measurement device with a fluid cell and electrodes on an inclined plane, powered by a high voltage unit, allowing direct measurement of high field conductivity by applying a high voltage pulse and calculating conductivity using the measured current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large instruments are used to measure high field conductivity directly, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into a portable measurement device for on-site low field conductivity measurement and a separate computational system that performs high field conductivity calculation using embedded algorithms. This segmentation allows the physical measurement device to be compact and portable while the complex high field measurement computations are performed digitally, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical high field measurement system with a computational approach. Instead of using large instruments to directly measure high field conductivity, the system uses low field measurements combined with mathematical models and algorithms to calculate equivalent high field conductivity values, eliminating the need for cumbersome high voltage equipment.
2Measurement precision
If large instruments are used for high field conductivity measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but disruption to printing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device is designed for self-contained operation within the printing press environment. It includes integrated power supply, measurement circuitry, and processing capabilities that allow it to perform measurements independently without requiring external large-scale equipment or shutting down the printing process, thus maintaining productivity while providing measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic, real-time conductivity measurements during the printing process. The portable device can be quickly deployed and removed, allowing continuous monitoring of ink conductivity without requiring the printing press to stop, thereby maintaining production continuity while providing measurement capability.
3Device complexity
If low field conductivity measurement is used to infer high field conductivity, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs parameter transformation by measuring conductivity at low field conditions and using mathematical relationships to calculate high field conductivity values. The device includes algorithms that account for the non-linear relationship between low field and high field conductivity, transforming the measured parameters to predict high field behavior accurately while keeping the physical measurement device simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational algorithms and mathematical models as intermediaries between the low field measurement and the desired high field conductivity value. These intermediary calculations bridge the gap between the simple low field measurement and the complex high field conductivity prediction, maintaining both device simplicity and measurement reliability.
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
Enables accurate, on-site measurement of high field conductivity without disrupting the printing process, improving ink quality and reducing the need for large instruments and trained personnel.
Implementation Method 1
The power unit provides a high voltage power supply to one electrode of the pair of electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The measurement unit measures the electrical current that passes between the pair of electrodes through the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Measurement devices, systems, and methods to measure a high field conductivity of a fluid are provided herein. The measurement device includes a fluid cell, a pair of electrodes, a voltage switch, and a measurement unit. The fluid cell is on an inclined plane to receive the fluid. The pair of electrodes are connected to the fluid cell. The pair of electrodes are spaced apart from one another to receive the fluid therebetween and positioned parallel to one another to pass an electrical current therethrough. The power unit provides a high voltage power supply to one electrode of the pair of electrodes. The measurement unit measures the electrical current that passes between the pair of electrodes through the fluid.