Ink Circulation Device with Expanded Flow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid circulation devices in inkjet printers face challenges in accurately heating the ink to the appropriate viscosity for efficient discharge, as they rely on temperature sensors that assume the liquid temperature and may not account for variations, leading to inconsistent printing performance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid circulation device with a first and second flow channel pipe, pumps, diameter expanded portions, and a heater, where temperature sensors monitor the ink temperature and adjust the heater accordingly, ensuring the ink is heated to the target viscosity for stable discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a temperature sensor is provided at the heater location to assume liquid temperature, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature sensor is placed in the flow channel at a location where it can accurately measure the liquid temperature without being in direct contact with the heater. The sensor acts as an intermediary that indirectly measures the heating effect through temperature changes in the flowing liquid, providing accurate temperature data while maintaining device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor measures the liquid temperature before the liquid reaches the discharge head, allowing the control system to adjust heating in advance. This preliminary measurement enables proactive temperature control, ensuring the liquid reaches the optimal temperature for discharge while maintaining simple device architecture
2Ease of operation
If the heater is controlled based on assumed temperature values, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of liquid discharge deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the actual liquid temperature through the temperature sensor and adjusts the heater power accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the liquid temperature is maintained within the optimal range for discharge, significantly improving reliability while keeping the operation simple through automatic control
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts heating based on real-time temperature measurements without requiring manual intervention. The control system serves itself by using sensor data to autonomously regulate heater power, ensuring consistent liquid temperature and reliable discharge performance while maintaining ease of operation
3Stability of the object's composition
If the flow channel cross-sectional area is increased to reduce pulsation, then the stability of liquid flow is improved, but the volume of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is segmented into different sections with varying cross-sectional areas. The channel expands at specific locations to reduce pulsation where needed, while maintaining a compact overall design. This segmented approach allows localized flow stabilization without proportionally increasing the entire device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel cross-sectional area is optimized locally at critical positions rather than uniformly throughout. Expansion sections are placed strategically where pulsation occurs, providing flow stability exactly where needed while minimizing the overall device volume by avoiding unnecessary expansion in other areas
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 allows for precise control of the ink temperature, reducing pulsation and ensuring consistent ink discharge, thereby enhancing printing performance and safety by preventing overheating.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (36) provided on a primary side of the liquid discharge head (12) and configured to heat the liquid (90)
Implementation Method 2
a first pump (22) provided midway through the first flow channel pipe (21)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A liquid circulation device includes a first pipe, a first pump, a first portion, a second pipe, a second pump, a second portion, and a heater. A secondary side of the first pipe is connected to a liquid discharge head. The first pump is provided midway through the first 1 pipe. The first portion is provided midway through the first pipe on a secondary side of the first pump, and includes a flow channel cross-sectional area larger than the area of the first pipe. A primary side of the second pipe is connected to the head. The second pump is provided midway through the second pipe. The second portion is provided midway through the second pipe on a primary side of the second pump, and includes a flow channel cross-sectional area larger than the area of the second pipe. The heater is provided on a primary side of the head.