Ink Circulation Channel for Uniformity in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses with a heating section in the ink channel, ink components become non-uniform due to heat transferred from the heating section, leading to potential clogging and degradation in image quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a main tank, a first storage tank, an ink head, a heating section in the ink channel, and a circulation channel that returns ink from the ink head back to a part between the main tank and the heating section, thereby maintaining ink uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating section is provided in the ink channel to increase ink viscosity, then ink ejection performance is improved, but ink components become non-uniform due to heat transfer from the heating section
Solution Approach 1:
The ink channel is divided into separate functional zones: a heating section for viscosity control and a circulation channel for uniformity maintenance. The circulation channel is further segmented into a first circulation channel (from ink head to between main tank and heating section) and a second circulation channel (from between main tank and heating section to ink head), allowing independent optimization of each function without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation channel acts as an intermediary system that connects the heating section to the ink head, facilitating ink flow and component mixing. By introducing this intermediate circulation path, the patent enables the heating section to perform viscosity control while the circulation channel simultaneously maintains component uniformity through continuous ink movement and mixing.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If ink remains for a long time in the channel connecting the main tank and the heating section, then ink supply is maintained, but ink components become non-uniform due to heat transferred from the heating section
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation channel establishes continuous ink flow between the ink head and the region between the main tank and heating section. This continuous circulation action prevents static heat exposure that causes non-uniformity, while maintaining ink supply continuity through the first and second circulation channels that operate throughout the ink ejection process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a circulation channel is introduced to return ink from the ink head back to the first supply channel, then ink component uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first circulation channel and second circulation channel are merged into a single integrated circulation system that returns ink from the ink head to the region between the main tank and heating section, then continues to the ink head. This merged structure achieves comprehensive ink circulation and mixing while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate circulation systems.
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 suppresses non-uniformity of ink components due to the heating section, preventing clogging and ensuring consistent image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a heating section provided in an ink channel may heat the ink in order to increase the ink viscosity
Implementation Method 2
a circulation channel for returning the ink in the second supply channel to a part, located between the main tank and the heating section, of the first supply channel
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a main tank that stores ink; a first storage tank that stores the ink supplied from the main tank; an ink head that ejects the ink; a first supply channel for supplying the ink from the main tank to the first storage tank; a second supply channel for supplying the ink from the first storage tank to the ink head; a heating section that is provided in the first supply channel and heats the ink; and a circulation channel for returning the ink in the second supply channel to a part, located between the main tank and the heating section, of the first supply channel.