Ink Supply System Pressure Uniformity via Common Intermediate Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance inkjet printers with multiple nozzles require a precise and costly ink pressure supply system to ensure trouble-free operation, which is technically and economically challenging due to the need for a narrow pressure tolerance range.
Innovation Solution
An ink supply system that connects multiple printheads to a common intermediate tank via a line network with a distributor pipe, using flexible hoses for adjustable flow lengths and an inclined distribution pipe to ensure consistent pressure and prevent air bubbles, with a vacuum pump to prevent ink leakage and automated fill level monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple printheads are supplied with ink through individual pressure regulation systems to ensure narrow pressure tolerance, then printing reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual pressure regulation systems into a single common pressure regulation system that supplies ink to multiple printheads simultaneously. This is achieved by introducing a common intermediate tank connected to all printheads through a line network, replacing the conventional approach of individual pressure regulators for each printhead. The single pressure regulation system maintains ink pressure within the required narrow tolerance range (±0.5 psi) for all printheads, ensuring printing reliability while significantly reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The common intermediate tank serves multiple functions: it acts as a reservoir for ink supply, a pressure regulation point for the entire printhead array, and a reference level for ink pressure maintenance. By making this single component multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate pressure regulation mechanisms at each printhead, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliable operation across all print heads.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual pressure regulation components are used for each printhead to maintain narrow pressure tolerance, then ink pressure control is improved, but susceptibility to faults increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual pressure regulation components into a single centralized pressure regulation system at the common intermediate tank. This reduction in the number of pressure-regulating components directly reduces the points of potential failure. The single regulation system maintains precise ink pressure control (within ±0.5 psi tolerance) for all printheads simultaneously, achieving both precise pressure control and reduced fault susceptibility.
3Area of stationary object
If a common intermediate tank is used to supply ink to multiple printheads, then space required for ink supply components is reduced, but pressure uniformity across printheads must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the equipotentiality principle by designing the line network connecting the common intermediate tank to multiple printheads with carefully calculated flow resistance values. Each line section is dimensioned to compensate for distance variations, ensuring that the ink pressure at each printhead outlet is equalized despite different path lengths from the common tank. This creates a pressure-equipotential system where all printheads receive ink at the same pressure, maintaining manufacturing precision while utilizing space-efficient common supply architecture.
4Length of stationary object
If line sections are made long to connect distant printheads to the common tank, then system coverage is improved, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the flow resistance characteristics of different line sections based on their specific requirements. Line sections connecting distant printheads are designed with lower flow resistance to compensate for longer path lengths, while closer printheads have higher flow resistance. This localized adjustment of flow resistance in each line section ensures that all printheads, regardless of distance from the common intermediate tank, receive ink at the same pressure, thereby achieving extended system coverage without excessive pressure loss.
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 design reduces the complexity and cost of the ink supply system, minimizes fault susceptibility, maintains consistent pressure across printheads, and allows for flexible adjustment of flow resistance, ensuring reliable operation with reduced risk of nozzle failure.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate tank (12) is connected in such a way to a vacuum pump (16) that an undesired outflow of ink from the nozzles of the print heads (7) can be prevented
Implementation Method 2
the distribution pipe (20) is inclined at an angle (26) with respect to a horizontal plane... ensures that air bubbles in the ink can escape unhindered
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an ink supply system (2) for an inkjet printer (1) having a print head arrangement (6) for at least one color, the print head arrangement (6) comprising a plurality of print heads (7) each having a plurality of nozzles and the print heads (7) being lined up to form a total print area width (10) corresponding to a multiple of a print area width (9) of a single print head (7). Each of the print heads (7) is connected via a line to an intermediate tank (12) for ink of the corresponding color, a plurality of print heads (7) being connected to a common intermediate tank (12).