Ink Tank Preservation Switching to Prevent Wall Residue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink solidifying in the tank due to solvent evaporation leads to erroneous operations of sensors and adherence to tank walls, causing ink residue that is difficult to remove.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supply device with a controller that switches between recording and preservation modes, using a preservation solution to reach higher levels than ink, dynamically contacting and removing residual ink through repeated supply and discharge, and returning ink to the cartridge when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ink is stored in the tank during recording mode, then the ink can be supplied to the head for ejection, but ink adheres to the tank wall surface up to near the first liquid level, causing solidification and erroneous sensor operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing preservation solution supply before the ink completely solidifies on the tank wall. The controller automatically switches to preservation mode when the ink level reaches the first liquid level, preventing solidification before it occurs. This proactive measure eliminates the harmful effect of ink adhesion and sensor errors before they can develop.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of ink adhesion to the tank wall into a beneficial cleaning process. By supplying preservation solution to the second liquid level (higher than the first liquid level), the system not only prevents solidification but also actively removes any adhered ink through the cleaning action of the preservation solution, turning a potential problem into a maintenance opportunity.
2Reliability
If preservation solution is supplied to remove ink from tank walls, then ink residue is eliminated, but the system requires switching between recording and preservation modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting when preservation mode should be activated. The controller monitors the ink level in the tank and autonomously switches to preservation mode when the ink reaches the first liquid level, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by managing the preservation solution supply based on its own operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through cyclic switching between recording mode and preservation mode. The controller alternates between these two modes based on the ink level, creating a regular cycle of ink supply followed by preservation solution supply. This periodic operation maintains tank cleanliness while ensuring continuous ink availability, resolving the complexity through rhythmic, predictable behavior.
3Productivity
If ink is supplied continuously to maintain liquid level, then the head can always access ink for ejection, but ink adheres to wall surfaces and solidifies over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by introducing preservation solution before ink solidification occurs. When the ink level reaches the first liquid level during continuous supply, the controller automatically switches to preservation mode, supplying preservation solution to the second liquid level to prevent and remove solidification before it becomes a serious problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by seamlessly alternating between recording mode (ink supply) and preservation mode (preservation solution supply). This continuous cyclic operation ensures that ink is always available for the head while simultaneously preventing solidification through periodic preservation solution contact, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous productive operation.
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
Effectively removes ink adhering to tank walls by dynamic contact with a preservation solution, minimizing residue and facilitating easy replacement of liquids in the system.
Implementation Method 1
the preservation solution is brought into dynamic contact with the ink remaining on the wall surface of the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid supply device includes: a cartridge mounting portion configured to allow a cartridge to be mounted therein; a tank; a head configured to eject an ink supplied from the tank; a first liquid supply channel connecting the cartridge mounting portion and the tank; a second liquid supply channel connecting the tank and the head; and a controller. The cartridge includes a first cartridge storing the ink and a second cartridge storing a preservation solution. The controller is configured to: cause, in a recording mode, the ink to be stored in the tank such that a maximum liquid level of the ink is a first liquid level; and cause, on condition of receiving a command of a preservation mode, the preservation solution to be supplied from the second cartridge to the tank so as to reach a second liquid level higher than the first liquid level.