Inkjet Recording Apparatus Buffer Chamber Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording apparatuses face delays in starting recording operations due to the time required for opening and closing supply and collection valves to circulate ink between the recording head and ink tank, affecting throughput.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a supply pump, collection pump, and buffer chamber to control pressure, allowing for immediate ink circulation between the recording head and ink tank during operation, and transitioning to a pause state by stopping pumps and lowering collection channel pressure when not in use, enabling rapid state changes for improved throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If ink circulation is maintained by continuously driving supply and collection pumps, then ink flow stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the supply pump and collection pump to operate only during recording operations rather than continuously. The pumps are activated when recording is required and stopped when recording ceases, creating a periodic on-off operation pattern that reduces energy consumption while maintaining ink flow stability during active recording periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer chamber provides self-service functionality by passively maintaining ink flow stability through its volume changes in response to pressure variations. The chamber automatically compensates for pressure fluctuations and ensures continuous ink supply to the recording head without requiring constant pump operation, thereby reducing energy consumption while preserving ink flow stability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If pumps are stopped to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but ink circulation is interrupted affecting recording readiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the ink circulation system in a ready state through the buffer chamber's pressure-balancing capability. When pumps are stopped, the buffer chamber retains sufficient ink and pressure equilibrium to enable immediate resumption of recording operations without requiring lengthy pump restart and circulation periods, thus preserving recording readiness while improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer chamber acts as an intermediary between the pump system and the recording head. It decouples the recording readiness from continuous pump operation by storing ink and maintaining pressure balance independently. This intermediary function allows the system to stop pumps for energy savings while the buffer chamber ensures the recording head remains ready for immediate operation.
3Speed
If buffer chamber volume changes rapidly with pressure, then pressure response speed is improved, but system stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the buffer chamber with sufficient volume to absorb pressure fluctuations before they propagate through the system. The chamber acts as a cushion that dampens rapid pressure changes, preventing system instability while still allowing adequate pressure response speed for recording operations. The pre-designed chamber volume provides a buffer against extreme pressure variations.
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 quicker transitions between operational states, reducing the time needed to start recording operations and enhancing overall throughput by maintaining ink circulation and pressure control.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer chamber (85) provided in the recording head or the collection channel and having a volume which is changed according to a pressure
Implementation Method 2
a supply pump provided in the supply channel
Implementation Method 3
a collection pump provided in the collection channel
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus that the throughput until a start of a recording operation in the structure in which an ink is circulated between a recording head and an ink tank includes the recording head which discharges the ink to perform a recording operation, the ink tank which stores the ink, and a buffer chamber having a volume which is changed according to a pressure. When the inkjet recording apparatus is changed from a circulation state in which a supply pump and a collection pump are driven to circulate the ink between the recording head and the ink tank to a pause state in which the driving of the supply pump and the collection pump is stopped to stop the circulation of the ink, a negative pressure due to a change in the volume of the buffer chamber is maintained.