Ink Tank Liquid-Proof Ventilation Filter for UV Inkjet Printers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inkjet printers require a separate backflow blocking mechanism to prevent ink from flowing back to the pump, increasing the size and complexity of the printer.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a liquid-proof ventilation filter within the ink tank that allows gas circulation while preventing ink flow to the pump communication port, eliminating the need for a separate backflow blocking mechanism and reducing the negative pressure structure size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate backflow blocking mechanism is added to prevent ink from flowing back to the pump, then ink flow control is improved, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink flow controlVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the backflow blocking function with the ventilation filter by making the filter impermeable to ink while permeable to gas. This integration eliminates the need for a separate backflow blocking mechanism, reducing structural complexity while maintaining ink flow control reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation filter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it allows gas circulation for pressure equalization, prevents ink backflow to the pump, and can be easily cleaned when ink accumulates on its surface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate backflow blocking mechanism is added to prevent ink from flowing back to the pump, then ink flow control is improved, but the printer size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink flow controlVSAvoidprinter size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the ventilation filter is exposed to ink, then gas circulation is maintained, but filter performance deteriorates due to ink accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas circulationVSAvoidfilter performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation filter is designed with selective permeability: it allows gas molecules to pass through while blocking ink molecules. This local quality differentiation enables the filter to maintain gas circulation functionality while preventing ink accumulation that would degrade performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

When ink does accumulate on the filter surface, the system allows for easy cleaning and restoration of the filter's performance. The filter can be removed and cleaned, then reinstalled to continue functioning effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 the size and complexity of the inkjet printer's negative pressure structure, maintains filter performance by preventing ink contact with the ventilation filter, and allows for easy restoration of the filter when ink pools on its surface.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid-proof ventilation filter which is disposed in the space, allows gas to be circulated, and does not allow the ink to be circulated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

the pump makes a pressure in the space in the ink tank negative

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a bubble circulation interruption portion which narrows a flow path of gas between the ink storage chamber and the liquid-proof ventilation filter to interrupt circulation of bubbles of ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBubble circulation interruption: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentUS10252535B2Ink tank and inkjet printer

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO LTD

AI summary

A sub tank (40) which is mounted in an inkjet printer including an inkjet head for discharging UV ink and supplies UV ink to the inkjet head includes a space forming unit (41) which forms a space (40a) including an ink storage chamber (40b) for storing UV ink and a pump communication port communicating with a pump for making a pressure in the space (40a) negative, and a liquid-proof ventilation filter (44) which is disposed in the space (40a), allows gas to be circulated, and does not allow the UV ink to be circulated so as to prevent the UV ink from flowing out from the space (40a) to the pump communication port.