Ink Supply Manifold for Continuous Jet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous ink jet printers face issues with ink thickening due to solvent evaporation, leading to viscosity problems and potential leakage from numerous conduits, which complicates maintenance and reliability, especially in long uninterrupted production runs.
Innovation Solution
An ink supply system with a compact manifold-based design that reduces the number of separate conduits by integrating fluid paths and components, allowing for easier assembly, service, and repair, while maintaining ink viscosity through solvent addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate conduits are used to connect ink supply components, then fluid delivery is achieved, but the system becomes complex and prone to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple separate conduits into a single integrated fluid delivery system. The manifold structure combines multiple fluid pathways into one unified component, eliminating the need for numerous separate conduits and connections between ink supply components. This merging approach directly reduces leakage points while maintaining the necessary fluid delivery functions.
2Ease of repair
If numerous conduits connect ink supply components, then fluid paths are established, but maintenance and repair become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple conduits into a single integrated manifold structure, the patent simplifies the overall system architecture. This integration makes components more accessible and easier to service, as technicians no longer need to navigate through a complex network of separate conduits to reach maintenance points.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fluid delivery system is designed as a modular assembly that can be replaced or serviced as a unit. This segmentation approach allows for easier maintenance by enabling the replacement of the entire fluid delivery assembly without having to individually manage multiple separate conduits and their connections.
3Stability of the object's composition
If ink circulates through multiple conduits, then recirculation is achieved, but solvent evaporation causes viscosity thickening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the total surface area of conduits through which ink circulates by integrating multiple pathways into a single manifold structure. This consolidation minimizes the exposure of ink to air, thereby reducing solvent evaporation and maintaining more stable ink viscosity during circulation.
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 enhances the reliability and maintainability of ink jet printers by reducing conduit-related issues, improving fluid management, and ensuring consistent ink viscosity, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of leaks.
Implementation Method 1
a continuous stream of ink emanating from a nozzle is broken up into individual regular drops by, for example, an oscillating piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
passing through a transverse electric field provided across a pair of deflection plates. Each charged drop is deflected by the field by an amount that is dependent on its charge magnitude
Implementation Method 3
The system includes a main pump that draws the ink from a reservoir or tank via a filter and delivers it under pressure to the print head
Implementation Method 4
there is a tendency for it to thicken as a result of solvent evaporation, particularly in relation to the recirculated ink that has been exposed to air in its passage between the nozzle and the gutter
Data Source
AI summary
An ink supply system for an ink jet printer, particularly a continuous ink jet printer, has a manifold assembly of two parts that are brought together at interfacing surfaces. At least one of the surfaces has a plurality of ink flow channels for conveying ink around an ink circuit between components. The other of the interfacing surfaces is configured to close and seal the channels. A plurality of ports is provided in fluid communication with the channels, the circuit components being connectable to the ports. The manifold assembly provides for a compact and neat arrangement free of many tubes and pipes. The lower number of connections significantly reduces the risk of leakage.