Ink Delivery Bladder Sensor for Accurate Usage Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printers with bulk ink supplies lack a reliable method for accurately measuring ink usage and priming the system, leading to potential downtime and waste.
Innovation Solution
A system for delivering ink to a printhead, comprising an ink delivery device, a vacuum pump, a bladder, a sensor, a separator, and a controller, which connects to an ink reservoir and uses a sensor to measure ink usage and a controller to activate the ink delivery device based on usage data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a bulk ink supply system is used, then ink capacity is increased, but the ability to accurately measure ink usage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk ink supply is divided into a stationary ink reservoir and a movable bladder that actually contains the ink. The bladder can be segmented into different volume states (full, partially used, empty) which are detected by the sensor, enabling precise measurement of ink usage while maintaining bulk capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor acts as an intermediary between the ink bladder and the control system. The sensor detects the volume or position of the bladder and converts it into measurable signals, enabling accurate ink usage measurement without direct intervention in the ink storage itself.
2Measurement precision
If replaceable ink cartridges are used, then ink usage can be monitored, but frequent replacement requires manual monitoring and causes downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated ink delivery. The controller automatically activates the ink delivery device based on sensor feedback about ink levels, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and replacement. The system serves itself by automatically replenishing ink when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulk ink supply system with automated delivery ensures continuous operation. Instead of intermittent cartridge replacements that cause downtime, the system maintains continuous ink supply through automated top-up from the bulk reservoir, eliminating interruptions in printing operations.
3Measurement precision
If replaceable ink cartridges are used, then ink usage can be tracked, but spent cartridges produce waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and reuses the ink supply infrastructure. Instead of discarding entire cartridges, the bladder can be emptied and refilled from the bulk reservoir, and the separator/filter components are permanently installed and reused. Only the minimal ink residue is discarded, significantly reducing waste compared to disposable cartridges.
4Quantity of substance
If a bulk ink supply without priming method is used, then ink capacity is increased, but the system cannot be properly initialized
Solution Approach 1:
The priming process is performed as a preliminary action before normal operation. The vacuum pump creates negative pressure to draw ink from the reservoir through the separator into the bladder, and the system includes preliminary checks (sensor readings before and after vacuuming) to ensure proper priming. This preliminary initialization enables the bulk supply system to function correctly.
5Device complexity
If air is not removed from the ink supply, then the system is simpler, but air bubbles cause printing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is designed to extract and remove air bubbles from the ink stream. The vacuum pump creates negative pressure that draws air bubbles out through the separator while allowing ink to pass through to the printhead. This extraction of the harmful element (air) maintains printing reliability without significantly complicating the system.
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 system provides accurate measurement of ink usage, prevents downtime by ensuring continuous ink supply, and reduces waste by optimizing ink delivery, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of inkjet printing.
Implementation Method 1
A method of priming a bladder for use with an inkjet printing system... a vacuum pump in fluid connection with the separator... vacuuming air out of bladder
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may be an induction sensor. The sensor is operably connected to the bladder and the sensor generates a signal responsive to volume of ink in the bladder
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivering ink to a printhead is for use with an ink reservoir. The ink delivery system includes an ink delivery device, a vacuum pump, a bladder, a sensor, a separator and a controller. The ink delivery device is connectable to and in fluid communication with the ink reservoir. The vacuum pump is operably connected to and in fluid communication with the ink reservoir. The bladder defines a volume. The sensor is operably connected to the bladder and the sensor generates a signal responsive to volume of ink in the bladder. The separator is operably connected to and in fluid communication with the ink delivery device, the vacuum pump and the bladder. The controller is operably connected to the sensor for determining the change in the size of the bladder and thereby determining ink usage and the controller being operably connected to the ink delivery device.