Inkjet Deaeration Device with Switchable Ink Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing degassing devices for inkjet recording apparatuses face inefficiencies in removing dissolved air from ink, particularly when ink capacity is increased, leading to uneven degassing across the liquid surface and increased air dissolution, affecting nozzle clogging and overall efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A degassing device with a circulation flow path and switchable operations to circulate and non-circulate ink under reduced pressure, adjusting pressure and circulation based on dissolved air levels to optimize degassing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the ink capacity in the ink tank is increased, then the storage capacity is improved, but the ink near the liquid surface and the ink near the bottom surface are difficult to be replaced, leading to lowered degassing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The ink tank is divided into two functional zones: a lower circulation zone with the stirrer for active degassing of bulk ink, and an upper storage zone for ink reservoir. The circulation flow path segments the ink flow to ensure thorough mixing and degassing of the lower portion while maintaining a relatively undisturbed upper surface for efficient surface degassing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-position stirrer at the bottom to a multi-dimensional degassing approach by introducing a circulation flow path that moves ink vertically and horizontally through the tank. This creates three-dimensional circulation patterns that enhance both bulk and surface degassing simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If the ink is continuously stirred to increase contact area between ink and air, then the mass transfer is improved, but air tends to dissolve into the ink and the degassing efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The stirrer operates intermittently rather than continuously, rotating at specific intervals to create periodic circulation. This periodic action maintains adequate mixing and mass transfer while allowing periods of relative calm that prevent excessive air dissolution into the ink, thereby maintaining high degassing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the stirring operation based on real-time monitoring of dissolved air levels in the ink. When dissolved air reaches a predetermined threshold, the stirrer is activated; when the threshold is below the threshold, stirring is reduced or stopped. This dynamic control optimizes the balance between mass transfer and preventing air dissolution.
3Device complexity
If the stirrer is positioned at the bottom of the ink tank, then the structure is simplified, but the ink near the liquid surface where an amount of dissolved air is small and the ink near the bottom surface where an amount of dissolved air is large are difficult to be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation flow path acts as an intermediary mechanism that connects the bottom stirrer zone with the upper liquid surface zone. It mediates the transfer of degassed ink from the bottom to the surface and brings surface ink down for further degassing, enabling effective replacement of ink between zones without requiring a complex multi-position stirrer system.
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
Improves degassing efficiency by selectively using circulation and non-circulation methods based on dissolved air levels, reducing air dissolution and maintaining optimal ink quality for nozzle operation.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure reducing device which reduces pressure in the liquid tank
Implementation Method 2
a circulation flow path which connects different positions of the liquid tank; and a circulation device which circulates the liquid through the circulation flow path
Data Source
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AI summary
A degassing device (40) includes a liquid tank (32) which stores the liquid; a pressure reducing device (62) which reduces pressure in the liquid tank (32); a circulation flow path (47) which connects different positions of the liquid tank (32); and a circulation device (67) which circulates the liquid through the circulation flow path (47). When air dissolved in the liquid in the liquid tank (32) is removed, the degassing device (40) is switchable into a first degassing operation in which while the circulation device (67) circulates the liquid through the circulation flow path (47), the pressure reducing device (62) reduces the pressure in the liquid tank (32), and into a second operation in which the circulation device (67) stops the circulation of the liquid through the circulation flow path (47) and the pressure reducing device (62) reduces the pressure in the liquid tank (32).