Inkjet Homogenization via Electrostatic Droplet Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In continuous ink jet (CIJ) printing, achieving homogeneous ink droplets with consistent charge/mass ratio is crucial for precise printing, but existing methods struggle with ink quality variations and environmental changes, leading to poor print quality and typeface degradation.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that separate ink into uniform droplets, charge them uniformly, and use a deflection system to direct only optimally charged droplets to a homogenization catcher, ensuring only homogeneous ink is collected and reused, while inhomogeneous droplets are discarded, with adjustments for deflection distance and charging voltage to minimize slipstream interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional ink production methods are used with multiple filtering steps, then ink homogeneity is improved, but production complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink homogeneityVSAvoidproduction process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical filtering methods with an electrostatic separation system. Ink droplets are charged and passed through deflection fields that separate homogeneous droplets (with consistent charge-to-mass ratio) from inhomogeneous ones. This substitution of mechanical filtration with electrostatic separation achieves homogeneity while simplifying the production process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from physical filtration to electrostatic parameter-based separation. By charging droplets and measuring their charge-to-mass ratio through deflection behavior in electric fields, the system identifies and collects only homogeneous droplets. This parameter-based selection replaces complex mechanical filtering with a more efficient electrostatic method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If ink is tailored precisely to the device, then print quality is improved, but adaptability to different devices and conditions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint qualityVSAvoiddevice compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the deflection behavior of charged ink droplets in electric fields provides real-time information about droplet homogeneity. The system measures charge-to-mass ratios and uses this feedback to selectively collect only homogeneous droplets. This feedback loop ensures consistent print quality while the standardized collection process maintains adaptability across different devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The electrostatic separation and selection system serves multiple functions: it ensures droplet homogeneity for print quality, adapts to different ink compositions through adjustable deflection parameters, and can be integrated with various CIJ printing devices. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction between precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If deflection distance and charging voltage are increased to minimize slipstream interference, then droplet homogeneity is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedroplet homogeneityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using just sufficient deflection distance and charging voltage to achieve the necessary separation of homogeneous droplets. The system optimizes these parameters to the minimum effective levels required for slipstream interference mitigation, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining droplet homogeneity through precise electrostatic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive 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 approach results in highly homogeneous ink with improved print quality and stability, allowing for consistent typeface across various settings and reducing errors, even with pigment inks, by ensuring uniform droplet formation and minimizing agglomeration effects.

Implementation Method 1

a nozzle arrangement, comprising an ultrasonic oscillator and a nozzle, for separating the ink jet into individual ink droplets of the same size

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a charging tunnel, with which at least a part of the ink droplets is provided with an electrical charge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic charging: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

a deflection device with which the individual electrically charged ink droplets are deflected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic deflection: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP2758243B1Method and apparatus for obtaining homogeneous ink for inkjet devices

Publication Date: 2018.12.19 SIMACO

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

In order to obtain homogeneous ink for CIJ printers, an inkjet is divided into individual equally large ink droplets, at least part of the ink droplets is provided with an electric charge, and the ink droplets are guided by a deflection device. The ink droplets which are deflected by a predefined amount are collected by a homogenization droplet catcher and are used for printing.