Ink Circuit Maintenance for Continuous Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous inkjet printers face blockages in ink circuits due to sedimentation of dense pigment particles and drying of ink, leading to difficulties in ink supply and loss of opaqueness, with no known technique to effectively prevent or resolve these issues, especially in cannula conduits and pipes between the ink cartridge and main reservoir.
Innovation Solution
A method and ink circuit design that includes a main reservoir, an ink cartridge, and pumps with distinct fluid connection paths to transfer and circulate ink, allowing for cleaning during operational and non-operational phases, using solvent to dissolve or prevent ink residue plugs, and maintaining ink levels to prevent blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ink is circulated through the ink circuit during operational phases, then blockages are prevented and ink supply continuity is improved, but additional pumping operations and system complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ink circuit system performs self-maintenance by automatically circulating ink through the circuit during operational phases and non-operational phases. The system uses its own pumping mechanism to prevent blockages without requiring external manual intervention, making the system serve itself in preventing the very problem that could halt its operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous ink circulation throughout both operational and non-operational phases. During operational phases, ink circulates to prevent blockages while printing occurs. During non-operational phases, circulation continues to clear any potential sedimentation or drying issues, ensuring the system is always ready for operation without interruption.
2Reliability
If solvent is used to dissolve ink residue plugs, then blockages are removed and ink flow is restored, but solvent consumption and potential ink contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning actions by circulating solvent through the ink circuit during non-operational phases before blockages can develop. This preventive approach dissolves ink residues and potential plugs before they harden and cause complete blockages, reducing the need for intensive solvent-based cleaning interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the ink circuit by introducing solvent to alter the physical state of ink residues. The solvent modifies the viscosity and solubility characteristics of dried or sedimented ink, transforming it from a blocked state to a flowable state that can be pumped through the circuit.
3Reliability
If ink circulation is performed during non-operational phases, then sedimentation is prevented and blockages are avoided, but energy consumption and operational time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic ink circulation during non-operational phases rather than continuous circulation. The pump operates in cycles, circulating ink for predetermined time intervals to prevent sedimentation and blockages, then remains idle during extended non-operational periods. This periodic approach maintains reliability while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous 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
The method effectively prevents blockages by circulating ink and solvent to dissolve sedimentation, ensuring continuous ink supply and maintaining printer functionality without manual intervention, reducing downtime and ink consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a) transfer ink from the main reservoir to a cartridge, through a second pump and through the second fluid connection means; b) pump at least some of the ink transferred in step a) to the main reservoir, through the first pump, and through the first fluid connection means
Implementation Method 2
using solvent to dissolve or prevent ink residue plugs
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of cleaning an ink circuit of an inkjet printer, comprising at least one reservoir (10), called the main reservoir, at least one ink cartridge (30), a first pump (31) to pump ink from the cartridge, first fluid connection means (346, 35, 33343, 344, 347) to transfer ink from the ink cartridge (30) to the reservoir (10), a second pump (20) to pump ink from said reservoir (10), second fluid connection means (37, 319, 320) to transfer ink to the ink cartridge, and control means (3), this method comprising at least: a) a step in which ink is transferred from the main reservoir (10) as far as the cartridge (30), through the second pump (20) and the second fluid connection means, b) a step to pump at least part of the ink transferred during step a) to the main reservoir (10).