Ink Mixing System with Conical Tank and Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pigment particles in inkjet printing tend to agglomerate and settle at the bottom of ink supply containers, causing nozzle clogging and decreased print contrast due to their insoluble nature.
Innovation Solution
A conically shaped fluid tank with a sloping side wall and dual fluid conduits that facilitate the recirculation of ink, combined with a pumping system and solvent flushing, to maintain a homogeneous ink composition and prevent pigment settling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pigmented ink is used in ink jet printing, then desirable printing characteristics are achieved, but pigment particles agglomerate and settle causing nozzle clogging and decreased print contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic recirculation mechanism where ink is continuously pumped from the bottom of the container through a filter and back into the container. This creates ongoing fluid motion that prevents pigment particles from settling and agglomerating, maintaining suspension stability without requiring static stabilization methods
Solution Approach 2:
A filter is integrated into the recirculation system to extract and remove agglomerated pigment particles from the ink stream before they can settle in the container or clog the print head nozzles. The filter captures these harmful aggregates while allowing the ink to continue circulating
2Reliability
If pigment particles are kept in suspension to prevent settling, then print contrast is maintained, but continuous agitation or mixing is required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation system utilizes the printing process itself to drive ink circulation. During normal operation, ink flows from the container through the print head and returns to the container, creating automatic circulation that maintains pigment suspension without requiring separate mixing devices or manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates dynamic fluid flow through the recirculation loop, using the pump to generate continuous motion that keeps pigment particles suspended. This dynamic approach replaces static mixing mechanisms with ongoing fluid 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 system effectively prevents nozzle clogging and maintains print quality by ensuring a homogeneous ink composition, allowing for extended operation without the need for frequent cleaning or agitation.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit
Implementation Method 2
A conically shaped fluid tank with a sloping side wall and dual fluid conduits that facilitate the recirculation of ink
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
AI summary
There is provided an ink system of an ink jet printer. The system comprises a fluid tank, comprising: a generally conically shaped side wall, the side wall sloping inwardly from a top portion to a bottom portion; and a bottom surface disposed adjacent the bottom portion of the side wall. The system further comprises a first fluid conduit disposed in the fluid tank and comprising an opening adjacent to and above the bottom surface of the fluid tank; a second fluid conduit disposed in the fluid tank and comprising an opening at a location above the opening of the first fluid conduit; a pump in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit; an ink supply line in fluid communication with the pump; a print head in fluid communication with the ink supply line; and a return line in fluid communication between the print head and the fluid tank, wherein the return line allows circulation of a fluid from the supply line to the fluid tank. An inkjet printer and method of operating an ink jet printer are also provided.