Contradirectional Ink Supply Lines for Print Bar Pressure Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing devices face issues with non-uniform physical pressure in print heads due to varying lengths of supply lines, leading to differences in print image sections and increased risk of nozzle failures.
Innovation Solution
An ink supply system with two contradirectional supply lines and connecting lines that ensure uniform pressure across all print heads, using a common ink container and transport means to pump ink in opposite directions, with pressure regulation via transport means and sensors to maintain consistent pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single supply line is used to supply ink to all print heads, then the device complexity is reduced, but the physical pressure of ink becomes non-uniform across different print heads due to varying line lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The single supply line is segmented into multiple supply lines (first supply line and second supply line) that travel in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis. Each print head is connected to both supply lines via connecting lines, allowing independent pressure control for different segments of the print bar.
Solution Approach 2:
The system equalizes the physical pressure of ink across all print heads by providing dual supply paths. The transport means adjust the flow rates in each supply line to compensate for pressure differences, ensuring uniform pressure conditions at all print heads despite varying distances from the ink container.
2Adaptability or versatility
If supply lines of different lengths are used to reach different print heads, then the adaptability to different print head positions is improved, but the physical pressure uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The supply system is segmented into multiple directional supply lines, allowing each line to serve specific regions of the print bar. This segmentation enables tailored flow rate adjustment for different positional requirements while maintaining overall pressure uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow rates of ink through the transport means based on real-time pressure conditions. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to varying positional requirements of different print heads while maintaining uniform pressure across all nozzles.
3Productivity
If the ink flow rate is increased to compensate for pressure loss in longer supply lines, then the productivity is improved, but the pressure fluctuations and nozzle failures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transport means dynamically adjust ink flow rates in each supply line based on real-time pressure feedback. This allows the system to maintain optimal flow rates that ensure sufficient ink supply to all print heads without creating excessive pressure fluctuations that could cause nozzle failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors and control mechanisms that continuously monitor ink pressure at different points in the supply system. This feedback enables the transport means to adjust flow rates to maintain stable pressure conditions, preventing both insufficient supply and pressure-induced nozzle failures.
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 system achieves uniform physical pressure in all print heads, reducing nozzle failures and ensuring consistent print quality by compensating for pressure differences and fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second supply line 416, 426 that respectively travel along the longitudinal direction... a first and second transport means 411, 421 that are configured to pump ink 202 along a first flow direction 412 from a first side 405 to a second side 406... and along a second flow direction 422 from the second side 406 to the first side 405
Data Source
AI summary
An ink supply system for a print bar of an inkjet printing device includes two supply lines that travel along the longitudinal axis of the print bar and direct ink with opposite flow direction. The print heads of the print bar are respectively connected to both supply lines via a connecting line in order to supply ink to said print heads. A uniform mean hydraulic pressure is produced in all print heads via the opposite flow directions in the two supply lines.