Ink Cooling in Print Head Circulation Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face challenges with rising temperatures in the print head unit and ink storage units due to high-speed or high-resolution printing, leading to increased manufacturing costs and variations in ink physical properties, as existing technologies require high heat resistance materials for ink tanks and circulation systems.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with an ink storage unit, a print head unit, and a cooling device integrated into the ink return path to cool the ink before it returns to the storage unit, using the ink as a cooling medium to suppress temperature rises in both the storage and print head units, and a cooling controller to adjust cooling based on operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ink circulation is performed to cool the print head unit during high-speed or high-resolution printing, then the temperature of the ink discharging device can be controlled, but the temperature of the ink storage unit rises and ink physical properties vary
Solution Approach 1:
The ink circulation system is divided into separate paths: a first ink circulation path that circulates ink through the print head unit for cooling, and a second ink circulation path that circulates ink through the ink storage unit without returning it to the storage unit. This segmentation prevents heated ink from re-entering the storage unit, maintaining ink stability while still providing cooling to the print head.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the function of cooling the print head from the overall ink circulation system by creating a dedicated first circulation path that bypasses the ink storage unit. This allows the cooling function to be performed independently without affecting the stability of ink in the storage unit.
2Temperature
If high heat resistance materials are used for the ink storage unit to withstand high temperatures, then the ink tank can withstand high temperature ink, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of heat by using the ink circulation system to actively cool the print head unit, preventing heat from transferring to the ink storage unit. This allows the use of lower-cost materials for the ink storage unit while still maintaining temperature control in the system.
3Temperature
If ink is circulated at high speed to improve cooling efficiency, then the temperature control of the print head unit improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cooling control unit that dynamically adjusts the operation of the first circulation path based on the temperature of the ink discharging device. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the first circulation path is activated; when the temperature is within the acceptable range, it is deactivated. This dynamic control optimizes energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature control.
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 solution effectively reduces the temperature of the ink storage and print head units, allowing for the use of various materials for the storage unit, lowering manufacturing costs, and stabilizing ink properties, while also optimizing energy usage by adjusting cooling according to print speed and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device that is arranged in the ink return path, and cools ink which passes through the ink return path
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes an ink storage unit; a print head unit which has an ink reception port, an ink discharging device, and an ink exhaust port; an ink return path which is connected to the ink exhaust port and which returns ink exhausted from the ink exhaust port to the ink storage unit; and a cooling device which is arranged in the ink return path and which cools ink which passes through the ink return path.