Ink Circulator with Switched Supply Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing apparatuses face insufficient ink supply due to high flow path resistance between sub-tanks and negative pressurization tanks, leading to increased apparatus size when trying to enhance ink circulation, especially in large systems.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet printing apparatus configuration that includes an ink circulator with a first tank, a second tank, an inter-tank path, a third tank, and a switch in the connection path to control ink delivery from the third tank to the first tank, allowing for efficient ink supply without increasing apparatus size by managing pressure losses and using the ink circulation pump for both circulation and supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the negative pressure in the negative pressurization tank is increased to increase the ink supply rate, then the ink supply rate is improved, but a pump with a large capacity is required as the ink circulation pump, leading to an increase in the apparatus size
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply path is segmented into multiple paths: a first path from the sub-tank through the negative pressurization tank to the ink circulation pump, and a second path from the sub-tank directly to the ink circulation pump. This segmentation allows ink to reach the pump through different routes, bypassing the flow path resistance issue of the traditional single path while avoiding the need for a larger pump capacity.
2Productivity
If a pump dedicated to ink supply is provided to increase the ink supply rate, then the ink supply rate is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ink circulation pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the ink circulation pump that circulates ink through the printing system and as the ink supply pump that supplies ink from the sub-tank. By making the pump multi-functional, the patent avoids adding a dedicated ink supply pump, thereby preventing an increase in apparatus size while ensuring sufficient ink supply rate.
3Length of stationary object
If the path between the sub-tank and the negative pressurization tank is made long to accommodate large apparatus layout, then the apparatus can be scaled up, but the flow path resistance increases, leading to insufficient ink supply
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply path is divided into a first path (sub-tank → negative pressurization tank → ink circulation pump) and a second path (sub-tank → ink circulation pump). The second path provides a direct route that bypasses the negative pressurization tank, effectively reducing the total flow path length and resistance. This ensures reliable ink supply even when the apparatus is scaled up and the first path becomes longer.
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 insufficient ink supply to the ink circulator while maintaining a compact apparatus size, even in large systems, by optimizing pressure dynamics and eliminating the need for a dedicated pump for ink supply.
Implementation Method 1
an ink circulator including a first tank configured to supply ink to the inkjet head, a second tank configured to collect the ink from the inkjet head, an inter-tank path through which the ink is delivered from the second tank to the first tank
Implementation Method 2
a switch arranged in the connection path and configured to switch whether to allow or shut off communication between the inter-tank path and the third tank
Data Source
AI summary
An ink circulator includes a first tank configured to supply ink to an inkjet head, a second tank configured to collect the ink from the inkjet head, an inter-tank path through which the ink is delivered from the second tank to the first tank, and an ink deliverer arranged in the inter-tank path and configured to deliver the ink from the second tank to the first tank through the inter-tank path. A third tank and the inter-tank path are connected via a connection path in which a switch arranged. Ink supply to the ink circulator is performed by driving the ink deliverer to deliver the ink from the third tank to the first tank with communication between the inter-tank path and the third tank allowed by the switch.