Ink Jet Particle Separator Using Offset Obstacle Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face issues with particles, such as bubbles and debris, obstructing ink flow, leading to printing flaws due to ineffective filtration methods that clog and induce pressure drops, or require bulky bubble separation devices.
Innovation Solution
A particle removal device with an obstacle array that routes larger particles along an angled trajectory and smaller particles along a parallel path, using a multi-layered separator with converging and diverging features to separate and redirect particles, maintaining a pressure drop of less than 100 Pa.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional filtration methods are used to remove particles from ink, then particle removal effectiveness is improved, but pressure drop increases and filters clog
Solution Approach 1:
The separator divides the ink flow into multiple streamlines using an array of obstacles, creating distinct flow paths for particles of different sizes. This segmentation allows larger particles to be routed along angled trajectories into a first channel while smaller particles follow parallel paths, achieving particle removal without the high pressure drop associated with traditional filtration
Solution Approach 2:
The obstacle array acts as an intermediary structure that mediates particle separation through flow path differentiation rather than direct filtration. The obstacles create a field of streamlines that passively route particles based on size without requiring active filtration media that would clog and increase pressure drop
2Reliability
If bubble separation devices are used to remove particles from ink, then particle removal effectiveness is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses hydraulic principles to create flow-induced particle separation. By designing the obstacle array to generate specific flow patterns and streamline distributions, particles are separated based on their interaction with the fluid flow rather than requiring bulky mechanical bubble separation devices
Solution Approach 2:
The separator utilizes the third dimension (vertical channel depth) to route particles into different channels. The obstacle array creates vertical displacement of particles based on size, with larger particles being deflected into a first channel and smaller particles remaining in the main flow, achieving compact particle removal without increasing device footprint
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
Effectively separates larger particles from ink without significant pressure drop, ensuring clean ink flow to the jets, reducing printing flaws and maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The arrangement of obstacles is configured to preferentially route larger particles having diameters greater than a critical diameter through the arrangement and along a first trajectory vector that is angled with respect to the direction of the flow path of the ink
Implementation Method 2
the second separator can include a converging feature and a diverging feature. The second separator may include one or more focusing inlets configured to allow a portion of ink that is substantially free of the larger particles flowing in a second channel to provide a sheath liquid that joins ink that includes the larger particles flowing in a first channel
Data Source
AI summary
A particle removal device for an ink jet printer is discussed. The particle removal device includes a first separator comprising an arrangement of obstacles including at least two rows of obstacles that extend laterally with respect to a flow path of ink in the first separator. The rows of obstacles are offset from one another by a row offset fraction. The arrangement of obstacles is configured to preferentially route larger particles having diameters greater than a critical diameter through the arrangement and along a first trajectory vector that is angled with respect to the direction of the flow path of the ink. The angle of the first trajectory vector with respect to the ink flow path is a function of the row offset fraction. Smaller particles having diameters less than the critical diameter travel through the arrangement along a second trajectory vector that is not substantially angled with respect to the flow path of the ink. The first separator causes a pressure drop of the ink of less than about 100 Pa.