Ink Flow Meter Using Differential Pressure for Jet Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous ink jet printers with multiple jets face challenges in measuring the speed of individual jets and viscosity of ink, which affects printing quality, especially when there are many nozzles, requiring a simple and adaptable solution to control jet speed and viscosity accurately.
Innovation Solution
A device that measures the overall flow rate of jets by calculating the pressure difference and hydraulic characteristics, allowing for the estimation of jet speed and viscosity, using a calibrated orifice and pressure sensors to correct for measurement errors, and integrate with the printer's control system to adjust ink flow accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual jet speed measurement is implemented for each nozzle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement of all individual jet speeds into a single overall flow rate measurement. Instead of equipping each nozzle with its own speed sensor, the invention uses one flow rate sensor to measure the total ink flow, which is then used to calculate the average jet speed across all nozzles. This combining approach maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation method that connects overall flow rate to individual jet speed. Rather than directly measuring each jet's speed, the system measures the total flow rate and uses hydraulic characteristics and nozzle geometry to compute the average jet speed. This intermediary approach provides accurate speed information without requiring direct measurement of each jet.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors are used to measure flow rate accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure measurements into a single differential pressure reading. Instead of using multiple independent pressure sensors to measure different parameters, the invention uses a single differential pressure sensor to directly measure the pressure difference across a restriction element, which is then used to calculate flow rate. This merging of measurement functions reduces the number of sensors needed while maintaining precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If viscosity measurement system is added to control ink properties, then printing quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pressure sensor system multi-functional by using it for both flow rate measurement and viscosity measurement. The same differential pressure measurements used to calculate jet speed are also used to determine ink viscosity when combined with flow rate data. This universal use of existing sensors provides comprehensive ink property monitoring without adding dedicated viscosity measurement hardware.
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 enables precise control of jet speed and viscosity, improving printing quality by reducing errors associated with multiple jets, and is adaptable to both multi-jet and single-jet printers, ensuring consistent output.
Implementation Method 1
calculating the pressure difference and hydraulic characteristics
Implementation Method 2
using a calibrated orifice and pressure sensors
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4C
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The invention in particular relates to a device (20) for measuring the flow rate of ink sent to a print head of an ink jet printer, comprising: - a restriction (22) of the diameter of the flow of ink, arranged in the path thereof, - means (26, 28) for measuring the pressure difference (Pin - Pout), between the pressure of fluid upstream of the restriction (Pin) and the pressure of ink downstream of the restriction (Pout).