On-Demand Ink Formulation Unit for Air Bubble Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet printing systems face logistical inefficiencies and quality issues due to large batch production, air bubbles in ink canisters, and the need for high solvent and anti-fungi chemicals, leading to increased costs and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A formulation unit for inkjet printing machines that allows on-demand preparation and storage of ink in smaller quantities, with automated dosing and degassing, reducing logistical efforts and improving ink quality by eliminating air bubbles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ink is produced in large batches (50-300 liter) in production plants, then production efficiency is improved, but logistical efforts and costs increase, and ink quality deteriorates due to air bubbles and required stabilization chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides ink production into small individual batches (e.g., 5-10 liters per canister) produced on-demand at the printing machine location, rather than large centralized batches. This segmentation eliminates air bubble incorporation and reduces the need for stabilization chemicals while maintaining production efficiency through automated preparation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If ink is stabilized with high level of solvent and anti-fungi chemicals to ensure 2-year shelf time, then storage stability is improved, but ink quality deteriorates due to increased chemical content
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares ink on-demand immediately before use at the printing machine, eliminating the need for long-term stabilization. By producing ink fresh and using it promptly, the system achieves effective infinite shelf life without requiring high levels of solvent or anti-fungi chemicals, thereby maintaining ink quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ink is filled in shipping canisters and shipped all over the world, then distribution capability is improved, but logistical costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an on-site ink preparation unit at the printing machine that acts as an intermediary between raw ink components and the final ink product. This eliminates the need for shipping finished ink globally, as ink is prepared locally from concentrated components, dramatically reducing logistical costs while maintaining distribution flexibility.
4Reliability
If facility is cleaned after every batch preparation to produce different colors, then color purity is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses individually disposable or easily replaceable preparation units (such as disposable cartridges or single-use mixing chambers) for each color batch. This allows complete color change without extensive cleaning, maintaining color purity while eliminating water consumption for cleaning operations. Each preparation unit is designed for single-use or easy disposal.
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 reduces logistical costs, minimizes water consumption for cleaning, and enhances ink quality by preparing ink as needed, reducing air incorporation and extending shelf life, while maintaining easy maintenance and flexibility in ink production.
Implementation Method 1
a preparation device (30) for preparing ink, comprising a preparation tank (32) for receiving the ingredients of the ink and at least one preparation pump (35) for mixing the ingredients within the preparation tank (32)
Implementation Method 2
at least one preparation pump (35) for mixing the ingredients within the preparation tank (32) and for passing the ink into the storage tank (50)
Implementation Method 3
arranged between the preparation device and the storage tank, wherein the storage tank is a buffer vacuum container
Implementation Method 4
wherein the storage tank is a buffer vacuum container which is connected directly to the ink inlet of the printing device
Data Source
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AI summary
A formulation unit for an injet printing machine, wherein the inkjet printing machine comprises a printing unit with a printing device and with an ink supply device for supplying ink to the printing device. The formulation unit comprises at least one preparation device for the preparation of ink and at least one storage tank for storing prepared ink.