Inkjet Printer Module Integrating Flow Paths and Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial ink jet printers have complex and error-prone connection constructions between ink tanks and the printer head, leading to potential damage and requiring numerous valves and precise control systems, which complicates installation and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet printer module with integrated flow paths and valves that simplifies connections by allowing selective control of ink, pneumatic, and washing liquid flow paths, reducing the number of necessary control valves and optimizing the negative pressure chamber system for smaller size and easier installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all ink tanks are directly connected with the reservoir ink tank using conventional construction, then ink supply is achieved, but the construction becomes very complicated and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate connections into a single integrated module. The module body contains integrated flow paths for ink, pneumatic, and washing liquid that converge at a common discharge port, eliminating the need for multiple separate connection lines and reducing the complexity of the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The module is designed as a universal component that handles multiple functions simultaneously. The single module body integrates ink supply, pneumatic pressure application, and washing liquid delivery through a unified structure with a common discharge port, allowing one component to replace multiple separate systems.
2Ease of operation
If multiple ports and valves are used to transfer different inks and solutions to the reservoir ink tank, then precise control is achieved, but the printer head connection construction becomes very complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow paths (ink, pneumatic, washing liquid) into a single integrated module with a common discharge port. This merging reduces the number of separate valves and connections needed at the printer head, simplifying the overall construction while maintaining control capability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The module is segmented into distinct functional sections within the module body, with separate flow paths for ink, pneumatic, and washing liquid. Each flow path can be controlled independently through valves integrated into the module, allowing precise control without requiring multiple external valves and connections.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise movement of connection lines and valves along three-dimensional axes is required, then correct connections are achieved, but the printer head parts are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all connection lines and valves into a single module assembly that moves as one unit. This eliminates the need for multiple separate connection lines to be positioned precisely along three-dimensional axes, reducing the risk of damage to printer head parts during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The module body serves as an intermediary component that houses all connections and valves. This intermediary structure consolidates the precise positioning requirements into a single module rather than distributing them across multiple separate connections, thereby protecting the printer head from damage while maintaining manufacturing precision.
4Device complexity
If a common flow path is used for pneumatic and washing liquid, then the number of flow paths is reduced, but selective control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a selection valve as an intermediary component that controls the flow path selection between pneumatic and washing liquid. This selection valve acts as a mediator that directs the common flow path to the appropriate destination based on operational requirements, simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path configuration is made dynamic through the use of a selection valve that can change the flow direction between pneumatic and washing liquid. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different operational modes (printing vs. cleaning) while using a single common flow path, reducing complexity without sacrificing operational ease.
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 module simplifies the connection process, reduces the number of control valves, and optimizes the negative pressure chamber, making it easier to install and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining efficient ink and pneumatic supply to the printer head.
Implementation Method 1
When it is needed to print, pneumatic is applied to the reservoir ink tank by a pneumatic tank (air pressure generation pump), by which ink is transferred to the printer head
Implementation Method 2
A small level of negative pressure (lower than atmospheric pressure) is applied to the reservoir ink tank so as to prevent the dropping of ink by means of gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
An ink jet printer module is disclosed, which comprises a module body which forms an outer structure of the module; an ink inlet port, a washing liquid inlet port and a pneumatic inlet port which are provided at the module body and are connected with the main ink tank, the washing liquid tank and the pneumatic pump, respectively; an ink flow path, a washing liquid flow path, and a pneumatic flow path which are provided in the interior of the module body and communicate with the ink inlet port, the washing liquid inlet port and the pneumatic inlet port, respectively; a common flow path which is provided in the interior of the module body and selectively communicates with either the washing liquid flow path or the washing liquid flow path, so that the pneumatic and washing liquid can be selectively inputted; an ink opening and closing valve which is provided at the module body for controlling the opening and closing of the ink flow path; a pneumatic and washing liquid selection valve which is provided in the module body and controls either the pneumatic or the washing liquid to be selectively inputted into the common low path; an ink discharge port which is provided in the module body and discharges the ink of the ink flow path to the outside of the module body in accordance with a control of the ink opening and closing valve; and a common discharge port which is provided in the module body and discharges either the pneumatic or the washing liquid of the common flow path to the outside of the module body in accordance with a control of the pneumatic and washing liquid selection valve.