Ink Supply Apparatus Pump Confluent Portion Sub-tank Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ink supplying apparatuses are complex and large in size due to the inclusion of a sub-tank in the supply path between the ink cartridge and the recording head.
Innovation Solution
An ink supplying apparatus with a pump connected at a confluent portion of the supply path, an ink detecting unit to report ink levels, and a controller to manage ink supply and air return, eliminating the need for a sub-tank by using a bellows pump and check valves to ensure efficient ink usage and size reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sub-tank is placed in the supply path between the ink cartridge and the recording head, then the ink supply can be monitored and controlled, but the apparatus becomes complex and large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the sub-tank component from the ink supply system. Instead of using a separate sub-tank to monitor and control ink supply, the patent places the ink detecting unit directly in the supply path between the ink cartridge and recording head, and uses a pump to directly supply ink from the cartridge to the head, removing the intermediate storage component that caused complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 2:
The pump in the invention serves multiple functions: it supplies ink from the cartridge to the recording head, enables the ink detecting unit to accurately detect ink levels by creating controlled flow, and facilitates air removal from the system. This multi-functionality replaces the need for a separate sub-tank system while maintaining reliable ink supply monitoring
2Reliability
If a sub-tank is placed in the supply path between the ink cartridge and the recording head, then the ink supply can be monitored and controlled, but the apparatus becomes large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the sub-tank component from the ink supply system. Instead of using a separate sub-tank to monitor and control ink supply, the patent places the ink detecting unit directly in the supply path between the ink cartridge and recording head, and uses a pump to directly supply ink from the cartridge to the head, removing the intermediate storage component that caused complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the ink detection function directly into the supply path rather than using a separate sub-tank. The ink detecting unit is positioned to detect ink levels in the supply path itself, and the pump integrates the supply and detection functions, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming components
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 allows for a simpler configuration and reduced size, enabling the ink cartridge to be used until empty and facilitating efficient ink supply and air return, thus eliminating the need for a sub-tank and reducing the apparatus's size.
Implementation Method 1
a pump which can supply the ink stored in the supply path through a confluent portion of the supply path and the pump
Implementation Method 2
an ink detecting unit for detecting the ink in the supply path at the confluent portion or on the ink cartridge side with respect to the confluent portion
Data Source
AI summary
A supply path of ink to connect an exchangeable ink cartridge and a recording head for discharging ink is provided. Also, a pump which can supply the ink stored in the supply path through a confluent portion of the supply path and the pump; and an ink detecting sensor for detecting the ink in the supply path at the confluent portion or on the ink cartridge side with respect to the confluent portion are provided. When the ink detecting sensor detects that there is no ink, the detection result is reported, and after the exchange of the ink cartridge, the pump is drive-controlled to supply the ink to the supply path, and to return the air in the supply path back to the ink cartridge. A supply pressure of the pump is a pressure where a meniscus in the recording head is not broken.