Hydraulic Circuit Washing Device for Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous ink jet printers face challenges in fully washing their fluid circuits without requiring significant modifications to the printing circuit or increasing operator intervention, particularly due to the limited volume of solvent and ink cartridges, which can lead to incomplete rinsing and manual handling of hazardous fluids.
Innovation Solution
A washing assistance device that uses a support with fluid connection means to connect containers to the printer's solvent and ink supply systems, allowing for the circulation of clean solvent to wash the circuit and the recovery of soiled solvent, with containers having volumes sufficient for complete emptying of the printer, minimizing operator intervention and modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If standard ink and solvent cartridges are used for washing the fluid circuit, then the washing process can be performed without significant modifications to the printer, but the limited cartridge volume results in incomplete rinsing and requires frequent manual replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the washing function into separate components: a removable support structure that can be detached from the printer, and interchangeable containers for clean and soiled solvent. This segmentation allows the support to remain integrated with the printer while the containers can be easily replaced without operator intervention in the hazardous washing zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable support acts as an intermediary between the printer's washing system and the solvent containers. It provides fluid connection means that interface with the printer's solvent and ink supply systems, allowing containers to be connected and disconnected without modifying the printer itself or requiring direct operator handling of hazardous fluids during the washing process.
2Quantity of substance
If larger containers are used to hold sufficient solvent for complete circuit emptying, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but the containers become harder to handle and replace manually
Solution Approach 1:
The washing system is segmented into a stationary support structure and separable containers. The support remains with the printer while containers can be independently handled and replaced. This allows the use of sufficiently large containers for complete circuit washing while minimizing the weight that operators must handle during replacement, as only the container rather than the entire washing assembly needs to be moved.
3Extent of automation
If the washing device is permanently integrated into the printer, then the washing process is more automated, but significant modifications to the printing circuit are required
Solution Approach 1:
The washing function is extracted from the main printer body as a separate, removable support assembly. This support can be attached to or removed from the printer as needed, providing automated washing capabilities without permanently modifying the printing circuit. The fluid connection means on the support interface with the printer's existing solvent and ink supply systems without requiring complex integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable support is designed with universal fluid connection means that can interface with the printer's solvent and ink supply systems. This multi-functional design allows the same support structure to work with different container types and configurations while maintaining automated washing operation, reducing the need for circuit modifications.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If manual handling of hazardous fluids is reduced, then operator safety is improved, but the washing system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous fluid handling function is extracted from the main printer and concentrated in the removable support assembly with its containers. This allows operators to replace containers at a distance from the printer's hazardous zones, reducing exposure while the support's integrated fluid connections maintain relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing system is designed to perform the hazardous washing function automatically once containers are in place, minimizing operator contact with hazardous fluids. The system self-regulates the washing process through its fluid connection means and pump mechanisms, requiring operator intervention only for container replacement rather than direct fluid handling.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a washing assistance device for the fluid circuit of an ink jet printer, including: a support (80) defining, between an access front face (80c) and a back face (80d), a substantially parallelepiped free volume (80a), support anchoring means (88), means forming 2 fluid connections, the support anchoring means (88) and the 2 fluid connections being disposed on or against the back face, on the opposite side to said free volume (80a).