Ink Pen Flow Passage Hexagonal Cross Section Air Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air accumulation near the printhead in inkjet printers can displace ink, leading to ink starvation and rendering the printhead useless, especially during periods of low or no printing.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a passage system with specific cross-sectional shapes, such as hexagonal, pentagonal, and octagonal configurations, to prevent air from reaching the printhead by using air blocks that utilize surface tension and capillary action to ensure ink flow while allowing air bubbles to be pushed through, ensuring continuous ink supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If air is allowed to move freely in the ink pen, then air can be vented from the system, but air will accumulate near the printhead and displace ink
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage is designed with different cross-sectional areas at different locations. The first portion has a larger cross-sectional area to facilitate air bubble movement away from the printhead, while the second portion has a smaller cross-sectional area to prevent air from reaching the printhead. This local variation in geometry creates zones with different functions within a single continuous passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passage is effectively segmented into two functional zones based on cross-sectional area. The first zone (larger area) handles air venting, while the second zone (smaller area) protects the printhead. This segmentation allows the system to handle both air and ink differently in different regions of the same passage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the flow passage cross-sectional area is reduced to block air, then air cannot reach the printhead, but ink flow may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the flow passage (cross-sectional area) along its length. By gradually or stepwise reducing the cross-sectional area from the first portion to the second portion, the passage can restrict air bubble movement while still allowing ink to flow. The specific dimensions are chosen to create the desired selective flow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passage itself acts as an intermediary structure between the air/ink mixture source and the printhead. Its varying cross-sectional geometry serves as a passive mediator that selectively allows ink through while blocking air bubbles, without requiring active control mechanisms.
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 solution effectively prevents air from displacing ink, maintaining a stable ink supply and preventing printhead malfunction by using air blocks that allow air bubbles to be driven through while allowing ink to flow past, thus ensuring consistent printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
air blocks that utilize surface tension and capillary action to ensure ink flow while allowing air bubbles to be pushed through
Implementation Method 2
air blocks that utilize surface tension and capillary action to ensure ink flow while allowing air bubbles to be pushed through
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an ink pen includes an ink chamber, a passage and a printhead operatively connected to the ink chamber through the passage such that ink flowing from the ink chamber to the printhead passes through the passage. The passage includes an upstream part having a polygonal cross sectional area and a downstream part having a cross sectional area smaller than the polygonal cross sectional area.