Ink Transfer Control for 2D and 3D Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ink delivery systems in 2D and 3D inkjet printers lack accurate volume tracking and real-time feedback during reservoir filling, making it difficult for print service providers to manage ink supplies, especially when supply containers are partially emptied.
Innovation Solution
A new transfer process that divides the reservoir capacity into discrete units, allowing for precise control and monitoring of ink transfer, including real-time animation of volume changes, and the ability to set units for filling or draining, using a controller, sensor, and graphical user interface to manage the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current ink delivery systems are used without discrete unit tracking, then the system is simpler to operate, but accurate volume tracking and real-time feedback during reservoir filling cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous ink transfer process into discrete units (e.g., 1/2, 1/4, or 1/8 of total container capacity). The controller tracks transfer in these segmented units, allowing accurate volume monitoring through countable discrete events rather than continuous measurement, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by monitoring the number of discrete units transferred from the supply container to the reservoir. The controller provides continuous status updates on remaining units in the container and units transferred, enabling accurate volume tracking and inventory management without requiring complex measurement hardware.
2Reliability
If manual inventory tracking is used for partially emptied containers, then the system is easier to manufacture, but reliable tracking and control of ink supplies becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically tracks and updates inventory levels of partially emptied containers through the discrete unit transfer mechanism. Each unit transferred is automatically recorded by the controller, which updates the remaining container inventory without requiring manual intervention. This self-updating mechanism ensures reliable inventory tracking while avoiding the need for complex manual tracking procedures.
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring of transfer process is implemented, then accurate control of ink supplies is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual representation of the physical ink transfer process through discrete unit tracking. Instead of physically measuring ink volume at each stage, the controller maintains a digital copy of the transfer status by counting discrete units moved from container to reservoir. This virtual model provides real-time monitoring accuracy without requiring complex physical measurement devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one example, a system to fill or drain a reservoir in a printer includes a controller to set a unit to a total capacity of a container divided by an integer greater than 1, a container sensor to sense the container connected to the printer, and a pump to pump, in set unit increments, at least one unit of a printing agent from the container to the reservoir or from the reservoir to the container. In one example, a memory having processor executable instructions to generate a graphical user interface displaying, during the transfer of a printing agent from a container to a reservoir in a printer or from the reservoir to the container, an animation showing a changing volume of the printing agent in the reservoir and a corresponding changing volume of the printing agent in the container.