Ink Jet Printer Air Filter Solvent Vapor Purge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous inkjet printing systems face challenges with solvent vapor buildup and ink temperature control, leading to viscosity issues and potential printing performance problems, as existing systems rely on dedicated cooling apparatuses and require complex maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An air circulation device integrated within the printer cabinet, including an air filter unit, directs airflow to purge solvent vapor, cool the ink pump, and maintain ink temperature, eliminating the need for dedicated cooling systems and simplifying maintenance by allowing easy filter replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a dedicated cooling apparatus is used to maintain ink temperature, then ink temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation device is designed to perform multiple functions: it purges solvent vapor from the cabinet, cools the ink pump, and maintains optimal ink temperature. By integrating these functions into a single system rather than using separate dedicated apparatuses, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving effective temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cooling function with the air circulation system that already exists for solvent vapor purging. The air outlet is positioned to direct cooled air towards the ink pump and ink system, merging the cooling apparatus with the existing ventilation system to eliminate the need for separate cooling equipment
2Object-affected harmful factors
If solvent vapor is purged from the cabinet, then solvent vapor accumulation is reduced, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system creates controlled airflow patterns that capture solvent vapor at the source and redirect it through the cabinet exhaust system. By changing the parameters of air flow velocity and direction, the system effectively removes harmful vapor accumulation while managing solvent loss through the established exhaust pathway
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 air circulation system effectively dissipates heat from the ink pump and condenser, maintains optimal ink viscosity, and reduces solvent loss, enhancing printing performance and operational efficiency while minimizing the risk of solvent vapor accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
an air circulation device arranged to cause air to flow within the cabinet. The air circulation device is arranged to cause air to flow along a predetermined air flow path through the ink system air inlet, past the ink pump, and through the ink system air outlet
Implementation Method 2
The air circulation system effectively dissipates heat from the ink pump and condenser, maintains optimal ink viscosity
Implementation Method 3
US 2003/214566 discloses a filter unit in a printer comprising a filter unit air inlet and a filter unit air outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for use in continuous inkjet printing, comprising: a cabinet, an ink system located in the cabinet, the ink system comprising, an ink pump, an ink system air inlet, and an ink system air outlet, and an air circulation device arranged to cause air to flow within the cabinet. The air circulation device is arranged to cause air to flow along a predetermined air flow path through the ink system air inlet, past the ink pump, and through the ink system air outlet.