Ink Circulation Flow Path Segmentation for Heating Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording apparatuses face low heating efficiency due to high pressure loss in the ink circulation flow path, leading to longer times to heat the ink to a predetermined temperature, and excessive heat discharge along the circulation flow path.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a branching section and a control section that switches between two circulation flow paths, allowing heated ink to be returned to the reservoir through a shorter branch path instead of the primary circulation flow path, reducing pressure loss and heat discharge, thereby improving heating efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter section is provided in the ink circulation flow path, then the ink is filtered, but the pressure loss increases and heating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation flow path is divided into two separate paths: a first circulation flow path that includes the filter section for ink filtration, and a second circulation flow path that bypasses the filter section for efficient heating. This segmentation allows the system to perform filtration and heating through different routes, resolving the contradiction between reliable ink filtration and energy-efficient heating.
2Quantity of substance
If the flow path length from the heating mechanism to the sub-tank is long, then the ink circulates through the system, but heat discharge increases and heating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system is segmented into two distinct flow paths with different lengths and functions. The second circulation flow path is designed as a short flow path specifically for heating, minimizing the distance ink travels after heating and reducing heat discharge losses, while the first path handles full system circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a dimensional aspect to the circulation paths by creating parallel routes with different characteristics. The second circulation flow path operates as a separate, shorter route that supplements the primary circulation path, allowing the system to optimize for different functions (heating vs. full circulation) simultaneously.
3Stress or pressure
If the ink flow rate in the heating section is reduced due to high pressure loss, then the system operates with lower stress, but the heating time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system is divided into two paths: the first path handles filtration with associated pressure loss, and the second path provides a low-resistance heating route. By segmenting the flow paths, the system allows high flow rate circulation through the heating section in the second path without the burden of filter-induced pressure loss, thereby reducing heating time while maintaining manageable pressure stress.
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 enables the ink to be heated to a predetermined temperature in a shorter time, enhancing the overall efficiency of the printing process by maintaining higher flow rates and reducing bubble accumulation in the filter section.
Implementation Method 1
a heating mechanism which is provided in the circulation outgoing path and heats the UV ink which flows in the circulation outgoing path
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a first circulation flow path which includes an outgoing path and a return path, a heating section which heats the ink, a branching section which branches the outgoing path, a branch path in which the ink flows to the ink reservoir section from the branching section, and a control section capable of switching between a first state in which the ink which is heated by the heating section is returned to the ink reservoir section through the first circulation flow path and a second state in which the ink is returned to the ink reservoir section through the branch path, in which in at least a portion of a period from a start-up of the printing apparatus until image formation is carried out, a mode is set to the second state and during the image formation, the mode is set to the first state.