Ink Jet Printer Cartridge Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous ink jet printers face issues with ink thickening due to solvent evaporation, leading to viscosity problems and potential leakage from numerous conduits, which complicates maintenance and reliability, especially in industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet printer system that includes electronic data storage devices in ink and solvent cartridges to ensure compatibility and maintain ink viscosity by controlling the flow of ink and solvent, reducing the need for multiple conduits and improving accessibility for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple conduits are used to deliver ink and solvent to the print head, then the ink supply system can function properly, but the complexity of the system increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate conduits (ink supply conduit and solvent supply conduit) into a single integrated cartridge assembly. The cartridge contains both ink and solvent reservoirs with internal conduits that deliver both fluids to the print head through a unified structure, reducing the number of external connections and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge assembly serves multiple functions: it stores both ink and solvent, delivers both fluids to the print head, and provides electronic identification. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate management of ink and solvent supply systems, reducing complexity while maintaining full functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple conduits are used for ink and solvent delivery, then the system can operate, but leakage risks increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the ink and solvent delivery systems into a single cartridge unit with integrated conduits, the patent reduces the total number of connection points where leakage can occur. The unified structure minimizes interface between separate components, thereby improving reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If numerous conduits are installed in the ink supply section, then the system can deliver ink and solvent, but accessibility for maintenance and repair becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fluid delivery functions into a single replaceable cartridge assembly. This consolidation means that maintenance personnel only need to access one component unit rather than navigating through multiple separate conduits and connections, significantly improving accessibility for maintenance and repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink supply system is segmented into a modular cartridge assembly that can be easily removed and replaced. This segmentation isolates the complex conduit network within a self-contained unit, making the overall system easier to maintain by allowing quick cartridge replacement without disassembling the entire ink supply system.
4Ease of manufacture
If ink circulates through multiple conduits and is exposed to air, then the ink supply system can deliver ink, but solvent evaporation causes ink to thicken and viscosity problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a solvent reservoir and delivery system within the cartridge that can add solvent to the ink before it leaves the cartridge. This preliminary action of solvent addition compensates for evaporation that occurs during circulation, maintaining proper ink viscosity before the ink reaches the print head.
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
The system ensures reliable operation by maintaining ink viscosity, reducing conduit-related issues, and simplifying maintenance by allowing only compatible ink and solvent cartridges to be used, enhancing the printer's reliability and ease of service.
Implementation Method 1
a continuous stream of ink emanating from a nozzle is broken up into individual regular drops by an oscillating piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
They are directed past a charge electrode where they are selectively and separately given a predetermined charge
Implementation Method 3
Each charged drop is deflected by the field by an amount that is dependent on its charge magnitude before impinging on the substrate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An ink jet printer comprising: an ink supply system receiving portion comprising a fluid connection arranged for connection to an ink supply system to allow ink to flow from said ink supply system to said printer and a data connection arranged for connection to the ink supply system to allow data to be read from an electronic data storage device associated with said ink supply system by said printer; a printing fluid cartridge receiving portion arranged to receive a printing fluid cartridge, the printing fluid cartridge receiving portion being arranged to allow fluid to flow from a received printing fluid cartridge to an ink supply system received by said ink supply system receiving portion, and being arranged to read data from an electronic data storage device associated with a received printing fluid cartridge; and a controller arranged to read data from said electronic storage device associated with a received printing fluid cartridge, and to write data based upon said read data to an electronic storage device associated with a received ink supply system.