Ink Refill Device Using Negative Pressure and Spring Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink supply systems for printers are complex, prone to failure, and inefficient due to the need for precise level control and intermittent pump operation, which can lead to fluctuations in ink pressure and level, affecting print quality.
Innovation Solution
A device that maintains a constant ink level in the refill container and uses a negative pressure difference between the ink supply and refill containers to facilitate ink flow without the need for a pump, utilizing a controllable valve and adjustable ink refill container to maintain optimal height differences and pressure balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a two-point controller with pump is used to maintain ink level, then the ink level can be kept approximately constant, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex control system (controller and pump) and replaces it with a simple passive pressure balance mechanism. The ink refill container is positioned at a higher elevation than the ink supply container, creating a natural pressure differential that automatically refills ink without active control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service through passive pressure equalization. When ink level in the supply container drops, the pressure differential automatically causes ink to flow from the refill container to the supply container without requiring external control or power.
2Measurement precision
If a pump is used to refill the ink supply container, then the ink level can be maintained, but the system becomes prone to failure due to pump drying out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump component entirely from the system, replacing active pumping with passive pressure-driven flow. This eliminates the reliability issues associated with pump operation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic pressure differential created by elevation difference to drive ink flow. The higher ink refill container creates a pressure head that naturally refills the lower supply container, eliminating mechanical pumping components.
3Stress or pressure
If the ink refill container is hermetically sealed to generate negative pressure, then ink flow can be controlled, but refilling becomes difficult due to pressure inhibition
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sealing the refill container to create negative pressure, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the refill container at a higher elevation. This creates positive pressure from the weight of the ink column, naturally driving flow without sealing or vacuum mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic pressure from the elevated ink refill container to drive ink flow into the supply container. The elevation difference creates a pressure head that controls flow without requiring hermetic sealing or active pressure generation.
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 simplifies the ink supply system, reduces susceptibility to interference, and ensures a consistent ink level and pressure, enhancing print quality by eliminating the need for complex level control and pump operation.
Implementation Method 1
The ink supply tank is subjected to a negative pressure (Δp = p atm - p tsb) compared to the atmospheric pressure (p atm) which is adjusted so that it is able to suck ink from the ink refill tank
Implementation Method 2
the ink refill container (10) is vertically suspended by means of at least one spring element (13)
Implementation Method 3
When the ink refill container (10) is filled, it moves in the vertical direction under the action of gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for supplying the printhead of a printing device, in particular an inkjet printer, with ink, comprising an ink supply reservoir connected to the printhead via an ink supply line and an ink refill reservoir connected to the ink supply reservoir via a further line, wherein the ink supply reservoir is hermetically sealed and is subjected to a negative pressure Δp = patm - ptsb relative to the atmospheric pressure patm, which is set such that it is able to draw ink from the ink refill reservoir.