Ink Jet Pressure Regulator Using Piezoelectric Pump
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face challenges in achieving compactness due to the requirement of multiple actuators and clearance for bellows-based pressure control mechanisms, making it difficult to manufacture a compact device.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a pressure regulator that includes a first cylinder, a piston, and valves to adjust pressure, allowing for compact integration by reducing the width of the ink jet unit and enabling miniaturization through the use of piezoelectric pumps and volume-adjustable air chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bellows-based pressure control mechanism is used, then pressure control stability is improved, but device complexity and size increase due to multiple actuators and required clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure control function with the ink circulation system by integrating a pressure regulator directly into the ink tank assembly. The regulator uses the ink circulation pump's operation to drive a bellows mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuators. This consolidation reduces the number of active elements while maintaining pressure control stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls pressure in the ink tank, regulates ink flow to the head, and utilizes the circulation pump's existing motion. By making the pressure control system multi-functional and dependent on existing circulation operations, the patent avoids adding dedicated actuators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a bellows-based pressure control mechanism is used, then pressure control stability is improved, but device size increases due to required clearance for bellows operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the bellows mechanism within the existing ink tank structure, placing it inside the tank's internal volume. The bellows operates within the tank's vertical space rather than requiring additional horizontal clearance. This nesting approach allows pressure control functionality to be integrated without increasing the overall width of the ink jet unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the bellows operation from a horizontal clearance-based mechanism to a vertical compression/expansion mechanism within the tank. By utilizing the vertical dimension of the tank interior for bellows movement, the design eliminates the need for lateral clearance, thereby maintaining a compact ink jet unit width while preserving pressure control stability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple actuators are used for pressure control, then pressure regulation precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control system is designed to be self-regulating, using the ink circulation pump's own operation to drive the bellows mechanism. The system automatically adjusts pressure based on ink flow requirements without external actuation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for multiple actuators, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining pressure regulation precision through the bellows' mechanical response to circulation dynamics.
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 solution enables miniaturization of the ink jet apparatus, improves printing speed, and maintains satisfactory ink discharge by controlling pressure with fewer active elements, allowing for integral integration of the circulation device and pressure regulator on the ink jet head.
Implementation Method 1
enabling miniaturization through the use of piezoelectric pumps
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a head, a recovery tank, a supply tank connected to the recovery tank, and a pressure regulator. The pressure regulator includes a first cylinder connected to an upper portion of the recovery tank, a first piston movable in the first cylinder, a first valve configured to open and close a path between the recovery tank and the first cylinder, depending on a position of the first piston, a second cylinder connected to the first cylinder and an upper portion of the supply tank, a second piston movable in the second cylinder, a second valve configured to open and close a path between the supply tank and the second cylinder, depending on a position of the second piston, and a third valve configured to open and close a path between the second cylinder and an atmosphere, depending on a position of the second piston.