Ink Supply Apparatus Circulation Mechanism for Uniform Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording apparatuses face inefficiencies in stirring ink within reservoir tanks, leading to uneven ink concentration due to settling of ink components, particularly with pigment ink, resulting in low stirring effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An ink supply apparatus with a first ink tank, a second ink tank, a volume change unit, and opening and closing units to manage ink flow between the tanks, employing a circulation mechanism to stir ink by moving it between the tanks under controlled conditions, ensuring efficient mixing and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pump mechanism is used to circulate ink between the ink tank and reservoir tank, then ink can be moved between tanks, but the stirring efficiency is low due to weak returning flow
Solution Approach 1:
The ink circulation system is divided into two independent flow paths: a first flow path for ink supply from the ink tank to the reservoir tank, and a second flow path for air supply from the reservoir tank to the ink tank. This segmentation allows independent control of ink flow and air flow, enabling effective stirring without requiring strong returning ink flow.
Solution Approach 2:
Air is introduced as an intermediary substance into the reservoir tank to facilitate ink circulation. The air flow creates pressure differential and agitation that promotes ink mixing and circulation between tanks, replacing the need for strong mechanical pumping action.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If ink is automatically supplied from the ink tank to the reservoir tank, then continuous recording is enabled, but ink concentration becomes uneven due to settling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic stirring operations by introducing air into the reservoir tank at intervals. This periodic air injection creates repeated agitation cycles that prevent ink settling and maintain concentration uniformity throughout the ink supply period, enabling continuous recording without composition degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic ink supply system operates continuously from the ink tank to the reservoir tank, while the air introduction system operates periodically to maintain ink quality. This combination ensures both continuous recording capability and sustained ink concentration uniformity throughout the ink supply process.
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 solution enhances ink stirring efficiency in both the ink tank and reservoir tank, maintaining uniform ink concentration and reducing downtime by allowing for independent stirring operations, thus improving the overall performance of the ink jet recording apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a volume change unit disposed on the first flow path and configured to be able to change an internal volume of its own and allow ink to flow thereinto from the first flow path when the internal volume is expanded and to flow out to the first flow path when the internal volume is reduced
Implementation Method 2
an ink supply apparatus... employing a circulation mechanism to stir ink by moving it between the tanks under controlled conditions, ensuring efficient mixing and distribution
Data Source
AI summary
An ink supply apparatus includes a first ink tank, a second ink tank, a first flow path configured to connect the first ink tank and the second ink tank, a volume change unit disposed on the first flow path, configured to be able to change an internal volume of its own, and allow ink to flow thereinto from the first flow path when the internal volume is expanded and to flow out to the first flow path when the internal volume is reduced, a first opening and closing unit disposed between the first ink tank and the volume change unit, and a second opening and closing unit disposed between the second ink tank and the volume change unit.