Inkjet Circulation Device Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing systems face challenges in maintaining consistent circulation pressure of liquids during the movement, position changes, and angle adjustments of the liquid droplet discharge head, which can lead to unstable liquid supply and discharge.
Innovation Solution
A circulation device with a tank, discharge and suction pumps, proportional valves, pressure sensors, and a controller that adjusts supply and recovery pressures to maintain constant flow rates and differential pressures, counteracting hydraulic head pressure effects through proportional valve control and pump adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the liquid droplet discharge head moves or changes position, then the printing system can operate in different locations and orientations, but the circulation pressure of the liquid becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure control by using proportional valves and pumps that automatically adjust circulation pressure in real-time based on the liquid droplet discharge head's position and movement state, transforming a static pressure system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pressure sensors to detect circulation pressure and feeds this information back to the controller, which then adjusts the proportional valves and pumps accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures pressure stability despite movement or position changes of the discharge head
2Reliability
If the circulation pressure is increased to maintain stable liquid supply, then the liquid supply stability improves, but the system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating circulation system where the controller automatically adjusts the proportional valves and pumps based on feedback from pressure sensors, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable liquid supply
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic principles with proportional valves to precisely control liquid flow and pressure. By leveraging hydraulic control mechanisms, the system achieves stable liquid supply through efficient pressure regulation without requiring overly complex mechanical control structures
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 circulation device ensures stable liquid supply and circulation pressure, maintaining appropriate conditions for the liquid droplet discharge head during movement and position changes, ensuring consistent and efficient inkjet printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first pressure measuring portion measures, through the first channel, the fluid pressure of the liquid flowing between the first valve portion and the liquid droplet discharge unit as supply pressure
Implementation Method 2
The second pressure measuring portion measures, through the second channel, the fluid pressure of the liquid flowing between the second valve portion and the liquid droplet discharge unit as recovery pressure
Implementation Method 3
The circulation device controls the circulation pressure of the liquid circulating between the storage unit and the liquid droplet discharge unit
Data Source
AI summary
A circulation device includes first and second valves, first and second pressure measuring portions, a detection unit, and a controller. The first valve controls the flow rate of a liquid from a storage to a droplet discharge unit. The second valve controls the flow rate of the liquid from the droplet discharge unit to the storage. The first pressure measuring portion measures the fluid pressure of the liquid flowing between the first valve and the droplet discharge unit as a supply pressure. The second pressure measuring portion measures the fluid pressure of the liquid flowing between the second valve and the droplet discharge unit as a recovery pressure. The detection unit detects information related to the droplet discharge unit. The controller controls the first and second valves in accordance with the information detected by the detection unit and adjusts the supply pressure and the recovery pressure.