Image Forming Ink Supply Channel Heating Against Component Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming apparatuses using ink with components having different melting points, the separation of melted and non-melted components in the ink channel leads to non-uniformity and potential clogging, affecting image quality and apparatus functionality.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a supply channel with a specific temperature range between the melting points of the ink components, heated by a second heating device at predetermined timings to maintain uniformity and prevent clogging, using a controller to manage the heating process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ink containing multiple components with different melting points is stored in the main tank and supplied to the ink head, then the ink components may be separated into melted and non-melted phases, but this separation causes non-uniformity and potential clogging in the supply channel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink component uniformityVSAvoidcomponent separation and clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature of the supply channel to be above the melting point of high-melting-point ink components. This temperature parameter change prevents phase separation by ensuring all components remain in liquid state, thereby eliminating non-uniformity and clogging issues in the ink supply channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by heating the supply channel before ink is supplied from the main tank to the ink head. This advance heating ensures that the supply channel temperature is already above the melting point of all ink components, preventing separation before it occurs and maintaining continuous uniform ink flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a second heating device is added to heat the supply channel, then component separation is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink component uniformityVSAvoidheating system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second heating device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to prevent component separation in the supply channel and to control ink ejection timing. By integrating these functions into a single device, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The supply channel itself acts as an intermediary that is heated by the second heating device. This intermediary approach allows temperature control to be applied precisely where needed (in the supply channel) without requiring heating of the entire ink system, thereby reducing complexity while achieving the desired effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the supply channel is heated to above the melting point of high-melting-point components, then non-uniformity is suppressed, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink component uniformityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by heating only the supply channel region where temperature control is critical, rather than heating the entire ink system including the main tank. This localized heating approach maintains ink component uniformity in the critical supply path while minimizing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The second heating device operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when ink supply is required or when component separation risk is detected. This periodic operation maintains ink uniformity when needed while significantly reducing energy consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 ensures uniform distribution of ink components, preventing clogging and maintaining image quality by melting high-melting-point components, thus enhancing the reliability and performance of the image forming process.

Implementation Method 1

a second heating device that heats the supply channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the temperature of the specific region is equal to or more than the second temperature... melting point of a component having a highest melting point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS12358300B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a main tank that stores ink; an ink head unit that includes a first heating device to heat the ink and that ejects the heated ink; a supply channel that supplies the ink from the main tank to the ink head unit; and a second heating device that heats the supply channel. The second heating device starts heating at a predetermined timing such that a temperature of a specific region in the supply channel becomes equal to or more than a second temperature that is a melting point of a component having a highest melting point.