Ink Circulation Pressure Control for Pulsation-Stable Droplet Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing devices face challenges in efficiently controlling liquid discharge, preventing waste, and maintaining consistent flow rates, leading to issues like non-discharge and leakage due to pulsation caused by discharge and suction pumps.
Innovation Solution
A circulation device with a robotic portion, first and second pressure portions, and proportional valves is used to control the flow of liquid between a storage unit and a liquid droplet discharge unit, absorbing pulsation and optimizing flow rates through proportional valve control and pressure management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If discharge and suction pumps are used to control liquid flow, then liquid discharge control is improved, but pulsation is generated causing non-discharge and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
A pulsation absorption chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the discharge pump and the liquid droplet discharge unit. This chamber absorbs the pulsation generated by the discharge pump before it reaches the discharge unit, preventing non-discharge and leakage issues while maintaining the pump's liquid flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A pulsation absorption chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the suction pump and the liquid droplet discharge unit. This chamber absorbs the pulsation generated by the suction pump during liquid recovery, stabilizing the liquid level and flow rate in the discharge unit.
2Productivity
If pumps are used for liquid circulation, then flow rate control is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid level sensor is installed in the liquid droplet discharge unit to detect the liquid level. This feedback signal is used to control the suction pump, enabling it to operate only when needed to maintain the liquid level, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining precise flow rate control.
3Reliability
If proportional valves are added to suppress pulsation, then discharge consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A pulsation absorption chamber is introduced as a simple intermediary component that passively absorbs pulsation without requiring complex active control mechanisms. This mechanical approach to pulsation suppression is simpler than using proportional valves while achieving the same discharge consistency improvement.
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 solution effectively suppresses pulsation, ensures consistent liquid discharge, and prevents non-discharge and leakage by managing pressure and flow rates, enhancing the reliability of inkjet printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The first pressure portion feeds the liquid stored in the storage unit to the liquid droplet discharge unit through a first channel communicating the storage unit and the liquid droplet discharge unit with each other
Implementation Method 2
The second pressure portion feeds the liquid recovered in the liquid droplet discharge unit to the storage unit through a second channel communicating the storage unit and the liquid droplet discharge unit with each other
Implementation Method 3
The first valve portion is interposed between the first pressure portion and the liquid droplet discharge unit. The second valve portion is interposed between the second pressure portion and the liquid droplet discharge unit
Data Source
AI summary
A circulation device according to an aspect includes a storage unit for storing liquid and a liquid droplet discharge unit for discharging liquid, and controls circulation of liquid flowing through a channel communicating the storage unit and the liquid droplet discharge unit with each other. Such a circulation device includes a robotic portion, a first pressure portion, a second pressure portion, a first valve portion, and a second valve portion. The robotic portion is mounted with the liquid droplet discharge unit. The first pressure portion feeds the liquid stored in the storage unit to the liquid droplet discharge unit through a first channel communicating the storage unit and the liquid droplet discharge unit with each other. The second pressure portion feeds the liquid recovered in the liquid droplet discharge unit to the storage unit through a second channel communicating the storage unit and the liquid droplet discharge unit with each other. The first valve portion is interposed between the first pressure portion and the liquid droplet discharge unit. The second valve portion is interposed between the second pressure portion and the liquid droplet discharge unit.