Ink Tank Capillary Pressure Segmentation for Printhead Depriming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ink tanks for inkjet printing devices provide inconsistent ink pressure to printheads, leading to variability in print quality and a risk of printhead failure due to depriming when the ink tank is emptied.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a housing with first and second chambers separated by a partition, a communication port, and capillary pressure producing members within the second chamber that allow ink to flow directly to the outlet without passing through the communication port, along with an ink sensor to prevent depriming by detecting ink levels and stopping the printing process when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional ink tank design is used, then the structure is simple, but ink pressure consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ink tank is divided into a reservoir chamber and a supply chamber separated by a partition wall. The reservoir chamber stores bulk ink while the supply chamber maintains consistent pressure through capillary members, segregating storage function from pressure regulation function to improve ink pressure consistency
Solution Approach 2:
Capillary pressure members with porous structures are installed in the supply chamber to regulate ink pressure through capillary action. These porous materials create consistent resistance to ink flow, maintaining stable pressure despite variations in ink level or flow demand
2Volume of moving object
If conventional ink tank design is used, then the device is compact, but printhead depriming risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
An ink level sensor is positioned to detect ink levels before complete depletion occurs. The sensor triggers a low ink warning signal that allows for timely ink replacement, preventing the printhead from operating in a deprimed state before the tank is fully empty
Solution Approach 2:
A communication port with a filter member is positioned at the bottom of the partition wall to allow ink transfer from the reservoir chamber to the supply chamber while filtering debris. This intermediary structure ensures clean ink flow and maintains reliable ink supply to the printhead
3Device complexity
If ink must flow through communication port, then chamber connection is simple, but flow path resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ink flow path is segmented into two stages: bulk ink transfer through the communication port filter, and pressure-regulated flow through capillary members in the supply chamber. This segmentation allows efficient bulk movement while maintaining controlled pressure at the printhead
Solution Approach 2:
The filter member in the communication port serves as an intermediary that allows ink to pass from the reservoir to the supply chamber while removing particulates. The filter is designed to minimize flow resistance while providing adequate filtration
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 configuration reduces variability in ink pressure, enhances print quality, and prevents printhead depriming by ensuring consistent ink supply and timely cessation of printing when the tank is empty, thereby extending the life of the printhead.
Implementation Method 1
a high capillary pressure producing member in direct communication with the outlet. Capillary pressure, as used herein, denotes the magnitude of vacuum (with respect to the ambient atmosphere), that characterizes the physical state of the ink mass under consideration.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink tank for an inkjet printing device that includes a housing for containing ink, first and second chambers within the housing, and a partition separating the first and second chambers. The ink tank also includes a communication port connecting the first chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber, a tank outlet disposed within a wall of the housing, and a high capillary pressure producing member in direct communication with the outlet. The ink tank may be configured such that the ink may flow from the free ink space through the capillary pressure producing member and exit the outlet without having to travel through the communication port.