Ink Temperature Adjustment Device Asymmetric Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face challenges in efficiently heating and cooling ink while minimizing air bubbles in the temperature adjustment mechanism, which can lead to abnormal ink ejection.
Innovation Solution
The ink temperature adjustment device features an upflow path with a larger cross-sectional area than the downflow path, utilizing branching and varying diameters to enhance heat exchange and buoyancy-driven air bubble removal, while maintaining symmetry and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the path inside the temperature adjustment mechanism is lengthened to increase heat exchange efficiency, then temperature adjustment efficiency is improved, but air bubbles remain at the bent portions causing abnormal ink ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the total cross-sectional area of the upflow path larger than that of the downflow path. This asymmetric design allows the upflow path to have greater heat exchange surface area for efficient temperature adjustment, while the smaller downflow path maintains higher flow velocity to prevent air bubble accumulation, thus resolving the contradiction between heat exchange efficiency and air bubble removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the cross-sectional areas of different path sections. The upflow path has a larger cross-sectional area optimized for heat exchange, while the downflow path has a smaller cross-sectional area optimized for air bubble removal through higher velocity flow. This localized optimization allows each section to serve its specific function effectively.
2Productivity
If the cross-sectional area of the upflow path is increased to enhance heat exchange, then temperature adjustment efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flow path into distinct upflow and downflow sections with different cross-sectional areas. This segmentation allows each section to be independently optimized for its specific function (heat exchange or air bubble removal) without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire system, thus improving temperature adjustment efficiency while controlling device complexity.
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 allows for efficient temperature adjustment, reduces air bubbles, and ensures smooth ink supply to the inkjet head, improving image quality and print rate.
Implementation Method 1
the upflow path with a larger cross-sectional area than the downflow path, utilizing branching and varying diameters to enhance heat exchange and buoyancy-driven air bubble removal
Implementation Method 2
a temperature adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the temperature of the ink is provided on the ink circulation path. This temperature adjustment mechanism, for example, includes a heat sink and a heater provided on the ink path, and heats or cools the circulated ink
Implementation Method 3
includes a heat sink and a heater provided on the ink path, and heats or cools the circulated ink passing through the heat sink and heater
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An ink temperature adjustment device and an inkjet printer include an ink temperature adjustment path connected to a midway point on an ink supply path for supplying ink to an inkjet head configured to form an image by ejecting the ink. The ink temperature adjustment path is for adjusting a temperature of the ink supplied to the inkjet head. The ink temperature adjustment path includes an upflow path for the ink to flow upward and a downflow path for the ink to flow downward. A total cross-sectional area of the upflow path is larger than a total cross-sectional area of the downflow path.