Liquid Transfer Module Balances Ink Concentration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet printing systems with multiple printheads face impracticality due to large flow rates and ink concentration inconsistencies as the number of printheads increases, making it challenging to maintain color consistency across a wider print width.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multiple independent liquid supply modules with a liquid transfer module that balances ink concentrations by transferring liquid between reservoirs, ensuring consistent ink properties across all printheads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single liquid supply system is used to supply ink to multiple printheads, then color consistency is maintained, but the system becomes impractical when a large number of printheads are used due to large flow rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor consistencyVSAvoidflow rate capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single liquid supply system is divided into multiple independent liquid supply modules, each with its own reservoir and pump. This segmentation allows each module to handle smaller, manageable flow rates while collectively serving multiple printheads, thus maintaining color consistency without overwhelming the supply system's flow rate capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple independent liquid supply modules are used to reduce flow rate demands, then flow rate capacity is improved, but ink concentration inconsistencies occur between modules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate capacityVSAvoidink concentration consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A liquid transfer module is introduced that periodically transfers liquid between the reservoirs of different liquid supply modules. This merging operation ensures that all modules receive the same ink composition and concentration, thereby maintaining color consistency across all printheads even though the modules operate independently with reduced individual flow rate demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution allows for efficient and consistent ink distribution to multiple printheads, maintaining print quality and color consistency even with a large number of printheads, thereby overcoming the limitations of prior systems.

Implementation Method 1

A liquid transfer module transfers liquid between the first liquid reservoir and the second liquid reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid transfer:

Data Source

PatentUS8911067B2Printing liquid transfer and supply system

Publication Date: 2014.12.16 EASTMAN KODAK CO

AI summary

A printing system for printing on a print media includes a first printhead and a second printhead for printing on the print media. A first liquid supply module including a first liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with the first printhead and provides liquid from the first liquid reservoir to the first printhead. A second liquid supply module including a second liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with the second printhead and provides liquid from the second liquid reservoir to the second printhead. A liquid transfer module transfers liquid between the first liquid reservoir and the second liquid reservoir. A method of transferring liquid in the printing system is also provided.