Ink-jet printing device with hydraulic circulation to prevent ceramic ink sedimentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of ceramic inks in printing devices leads to sedimentation issues within the printing system, rendering it unusable, due to the high density and thermal stability of the inks, which existing systems struggle to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A novel ink-jet printing device design that includes a first and second reservoir with a conduit system, where the flowrate of the printing fluid is greater than the maximum ejectable flowrate from the ejector units, generating back pressure and maintaining continuous circulation to prevent sedimentation, utilizing a hydraulic circuit with adjustable speed and ceramic inks of up to 4-5 g/cm3 density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If ceramic inks with high density (4-5 g/cm³) are used in the printing system, then the thermal stability and chromatic properties are improved, but sedimentation occurs inside the printing system making it unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous circulation system where the supply system forces printing fluid from the second reservoir through the conduit and ejector units back to the first reservoir, maintaining continuous motion of the high-density ceramic ink to prevent sedimentation while preserving thermal stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydraulic circulation system with a supply system (pump) that forces the printing fluid through the conduit at a flowrate between 5-10 times the maximum ejectable flowrate, creating hydrodynamic conditions that prevent sedimentation of the dense ceramic particles
2Reliability
If the flowrate of printing fluid in the conduit is increased to prevent sedimentation, then sedimentation is prevented, but the back pressure required for proper ejection becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the flowrate parameter to be between 5-10 times the maximum ejectable flowrate from all ejector units, and positions the ejection plane at a specific height above the average reservoir level, creating the optimal balance between circulation speed for sedimentation prevention and back pressure for proper ejection
3Stress or pressure
If the ejection plane is positioned higher to generate back pressure, then back pressure is generated for proper ejection, but the height difference required increases the complexity of the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the ejection plane at a height higher than the average of the first and second reservoir levels, using the gravitational potential difference between the reservoirs and the ejection plane to generate the required back pressure in a simple, passive manner without additional pressure control components
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 solution effectively prevents sedimentation, ensures uniform ink distribution, maintains correct operation of the print heads, and allows for complete ink circulation and washing, minimizing waste and extending system life by maintaining a stable flowrate and back pressure within the printing device.
Implementation Method 1
a supply system for forcing the printing fluid towards said first reservoir
Implementation Method 2
wherein said ejection plane is arranged in a position which is higher than the average of said first height and said second height, so as to generate a back pressure in the ejector units
Data Source
AI summary
Ink-jet printer and method for supplying ink-jet printer with printing fluid. Device includes first reservoir configured to contain first volume of printing fluid at first level relative to reference plane, supply system structured to force printing fluid towards first reservoir, and second reservoir configured to contain second volume of printing fluid at second level relative to reference plane. Second level is lower than first level by level difference value. A conduit is configured to receive printing fluid from first reservoir and convey printing fluid towards second reservoir, and ejector units are arranged to receive printing fluid from conduit. An ejection plane in which ejector units lie is located at a height relative to reference plane higher than average of first and second levels to generate a back pressure in ejector units. Flowrate of printing fluid inside conduit is greater than a maximum flowrate of printing fluid ejectable from ejector units.