Ink Jet Printing Method with Circulation Flow and Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printing methods for non-absorbable print media face challenges in maintaining stable discharge and preventing image unevenness, particularly when using aqueous inks, due to issues with ink thickening and component stagnation in liquid discharge heads.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a liquid discharge head with a configuration that includes a discharge port, pressure chamber, upstream and downstream flow channels, and a pump, where the liquid in the downstream flow channel flows into the upstream flow channel, and a temperature control unit to manage ink viscosity, ensuring continuous and stable discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reaction liquid is used to enable continuous printing on non-absorbable media, then productivity is improved, but intermittent discharge stability deteriorates due to evaporation of liquid components from discharge ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous circulation of reaction liquid through the liquid discharge head, ensuring that liquid components are continuously supplied to discharge ports even during interruption periods. This prevents evaporation-induced instability and maintains discharge reliability while enabling continuous printing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the reaction liquid itself to maintain its own discharge stability through internal circulation, where the liquid flow generated during printing operations automatically replenishes components at discharge ports without requiring external intervention or separate maintenance systems
2Device complexity
If ink is discharged without circulation flow, then device complexity is reduced, but image unevenness occurs due to stagnation of ink components in the discharge port
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous liquid flow through the discharge port by circulating reaction liquid, preventing stagnation of ink components and ensuring uniform image quality. This continuous action is achieved through the pump-driven circulation system that operates during and between printing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction liquid acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates continuous flow through the discharge port and prevents direct stagnation of ink components. The circulation of reaction liquid mediates between the ink supply and discharge port, maintaining fluid dynamics that prevent component settling
3Object-affected harmful factors
If aqueous ink is used on non-absorbable media, then environmental load and safety are improved, but ink thickening occurs requiring frequent maintenance of the liquid discharge head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous circulation of aqueous ink through the liquid discharge head, preventing thickening by ensuring constant fluid movement. This continuous flow action keeps the ink in a fluid state and prevents component aggregation, reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining environmental benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the static ink storage state into a dynamic circulating flow state, where ink is continuously moved through the discharge head. This dynamic approach prevents thickening and maintains discharge properties, allowing aqueous ink to be used without frequent maintenance interruptions
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 configuration improves intermittent discharge stability and prevents image unevenness by maintaining liquid flow and adjusting viscosity, enabling continuous and stable printing on non-absorbable media.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature control unit configured to heat the aqueous ink or the aqueous reaction liquid
Data Source
AI summary
In an ink jet printing method for printing an image on a print medium by discharging an aqueous ink and an aqueous reaction liquid containing a reactant that reacts with the aqueous ink from a liquid discharge head, the liquid discharge head includes an element substrate, upstream and downstream flow channels, a pump, and a temperature control unit. The element substrate includes a discharge port discharging the aqueous reaction liquid, a pressure chamber supplying a liquid to the discharge port, and a discharge element generating energy for discharging the liquid. The upstream flow channel supplies a liquid to the pressure chamber. The downstream flow channel communicates with the pressure chamber. The pump communicates with the upstream and downstream flow channels and allows a liquid in the downstream flow channel to flow in the upstream flow channel. The temperature control unit heats the aqueous ink or the aqueous reaction liquid.