Inkjet Printer Ink Circulation System Prevents Nozzle Clogging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet recording devices face degradation in printing quality due to settling of coloring material in the ink supply path, which can lead to clogged nozzles and reduced ink flow over time.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an ink return path and a pump to circulate the ink through the ink supply path, ensuring that the ink is stirred and preventing settling, with a computer program controlling the pump operation before ink ejection for printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the ink supply path is kept simple and direct, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coloring material settles in the ink supply path during non-operation, degrading printing quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink supply path structureVSAvoidprinting quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ink circulation system is divided into an ink supply path (from ink tank to ink head) and an ink return path (from ink head back to ink tank), with the pump integrated into the return path. This segmentation allows the ink to circulate through both paths, preventing settling in the supply path while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pump is operated before printing to circulate ink through the supply path and prevent coloring material from settling. This preliminary action ensures that the ink is agitated and uniformly distributed before the actual printing process begins, maintaining printing quality without requiring continuous circulation during non-operation periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the pump operates continuously to prevent settling, then printing quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting qualityVSAvoidpump energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous operation, the pump operates periodically - specifically before printing operations. This periodic action is sufficient to prevent settling in the ink supply path while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation. The timing is optimized to maintain ink quality only when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The ink circulation maintains continuity during printing operations, ensuring that ink flow is always fresh and settled material is continuously prevented from accumulating. The system ensures useful action (ink circulation) continues during printing while allowing energy-saving mode during non-printing periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If no ink circulation system is provided, then device complexity is minimized, but coloring material hardens and chokes the ink supply path or nozzles over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink circulation systemVSAvoidink supply path functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump operates before printing to circulate ink and prevent coloring material from hardening in the ink supply path. This preliminary circulation action removes settled material before it can harden and cause blockages, extending the functional life of the ink supply path without requiring complex continuous circulation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

During printing operations, the ink circulation system operates continuously to prevent coloring material accumulation and hardening. This ensures the ink supply path remains clear and functional throughout the printing process, extending the duration of reliable operation without requiring overly complex preventive measures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 effectively inhibits the degradation of printing quality by preventing ink settling and maintaining ink flow, ensuring consistent performance of the inkjet recording device.

Implementation Method 1

a pump configured to circulate the ink through the ink supply path and the ink return path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS9050818B2Inkjet recording device, computer program for controlling the same, and method of using the same

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 ROLAND DG CORP

AI summary

An inkjet printer (100) has an ink tank (113), an ink head (110), an ink supply tube (112) configured to supply ink from the ink tank (113) to the ink head (110), an ink return tube (115) one end of which is connected to an upstream side portion of the ink supply tube (112) and the other end of which is connected to a downstream side portion of the ink supply tube (112), and a pump (116) configured to circulate the ink in the ink supply tube (112) and the ink return tube (115).