Ink Cartridge Communication Unit for Stable Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing systems using pigment-based inks face issues with concentration gradients in ink cartridges, leading to density variations in printed images over time, as pigment particles precipitate, causing uneven coloration and print quality issues.
Innovation Solution
The ink cartridge design includes a communication unit with a merging channel and branch channels that manage ink flow rates differently during supply and backflow, ensuring a stable ink concentration by adjusting the flow rates between the lower and upper layer areas within the cartridge, and incorporating a backflow stirring operation to minimize print standby time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If ink is stored in a fixed position in the ink cartridge for a long period, then the structure is simple, but pigment particles precipitate causing concentration gradient and density variations in printed images
Solution Approach 1:
The communication unit is divided into multiple branch channels (first branch channel from lower layer, second branch channel from upper layer) that separately draw ink from different regions of the ink storage chamber. This segmentation allows independent control of ink flow paths to prevent concentration gradient issues while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different branch channels are designed with different characteristics: the first branch channel has larger diameter and lower flow resistance for drawing from the lower layer, while the second branch channel has smaller diameter and higher flow resistance for drawing from the upper layer. This local differentiation optimizes ink mixing to maintain uniform concentration without complicating the overall structure.
2Reliability
If multiple branch channels are added to mix ink from different layers, then ink concentration uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple branch channels merging into a single communication port creates a passive mixing mechanism. Ink from the lower layer (first branch channel) and upper layer (second branch channel) flows together and mixes automatically in the merging section, achieving concentration uniformity without requiring active mixing devices or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles where ink flow rates in different branch channels are controlled by their respective flow resistances and cross-sectional areas. The pressure differential and flow dynamics naturally regulate the mixing process, eliminating the need for mechanical mixers or complex electronic control while maintaining ink concentration uniformity.
3Manufacturing precision
If ink flow rate ratio between first and second branch channels is optimized for supply, then print quality is improved, but ink backflow stirring efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate ratio between first and second branch channels is made dynamic rather than fixed. During normal ink supply, the ratio optimizes print quality by controlling the mix of ink from different layers. During backflow stirring operations, the ratio naturally changes due to pressure differentials, enabling efficient mixing without requiring separate control mechanisms. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between print quality and stirring efficiency.
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 solution stabilizes ink concentration and reduces print quality variations by effectively mixing ink from different layers, ensuring consistent image density and minimizing the need for prolonged stirring operations, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of inkjet printing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first branch channel communicating with a lower layer area in the ink storage chamber and at least one second branch channel communicating with an upper layer area located higher than the lower layer area in a gravity direction
Data Source
AI summary
The ink cartridge has a communication unit for allowing an ink storage chamber to communicate with a space outside a housing. The communication unit includes a communication port formed on an outside surface of the housing, a merging channel having an end which communicates with the communication port, and a plurality of branch channels, each having an end which communicates with the merging channel and the other end which communicates with the ink storage chamber. In the branch channel, while ink flows backward, the ink flowing from the merging channel branches into the first branch channel and the second branch channel. At the same time, a ratio (Q1/Q2) between an ink flow rate in the first branch channel and an ink flow rate in the second branch channel while the ink is supplied is smaller than that while the ink flows backward.