Ink Tube Connection for Sediment-Free Pump Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink sedimentation in ink jet printers can lead to defects in circulation pumps due to sediment being introduced into the pump's pipes, causing operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a configuration that includes an ink tank, a head for discharging sedimentary ink, an ink tube for supplying ink, and a circulation pump, where the connection between the ink tube and the pump's pipe is positioned at a horizontal or upper section to prevent sediment from entering the pump, along with the use of opening and closing valves and multiple ink tubes for efficient circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ink is circulated through the circulation pump to maintain ink concentration, then ink circulation efficiency is improved, but sediment enters the pump causing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The ink tube is divided into multiple sections (vertical section and horizontal section) with different functions. The vertical section handles ink supply from the tank, while the horizontal section connects to the circulation pump, allowing sediment to settle in the vertical portion before ink enters the pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal section of the ink tube acts as an intermediary between the vertical ink supply tube and the circulation pump. This intermediate section allows sediment to settle before the ink is drawn into the pump, protecting the pump from sediment damage while maintaining circulation functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If ink is stored in a tank for later use, then ink storage capacity is improved, but sedimentation occurs in the stored ink
Solution Approach 1:
Sediment is extracted or separated from the ink flow path by positioning the pump connection at the horizontal section. This allows the problematic sedimentation component to be excluded from the circulation system while the clear ink continues to be pumped efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the ink tube are given different orientations and functions. The vertical section allows sedimentation to occur naturally, while the horizontal section ensures that only clarified ink reaches the circulation pump, creating local quality differences that solve the overall problem.
3Productivity
If the circulation pump is positioned to draw ink from the bottom of the tank, then ink circulation is improved, but sediment is drawn into the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The connection point is moved from a vertical orientation (bottom of tank) to a horizontal orientation. This dimensional change in the connection geometry allows the pump to draw ink from the horizontal section where sediment has settled, rather than from the vertical bottom section where sediment accumulates.
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 the circulation pump to operate in a sound state by preventing sediment from entering the pump, ensuring continuous and efficient ink circulation and reducing the risk of defects.
Implementation Method 1
an ink tank configured and arranged to retain sedimentary ink
Implementation Method 2
A connection section between the ink tube and a pipe of the circulation pump is provided at one of a horizontal section of the ink tube and an upper portion of a vertical section of the ink tube
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes an ink tank configured and arranged to retain sedimentary ink, a head configured and arranged to discharge the sedimentary ink, an ink tube configured and arranged to supply the sedimentary ink from the ink tank to the head, and a circulation pump configured and arranged to circulate the sedimentary ink in the ink tube. A connection section between the ink tube and a pipe of the circulation pump is provided at one of a horizontal section of the ink tube and an upper portion of a vertical section of the ink tube.