Inkjet Printing Apparatus Diaphragm Pump Circulation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing systems face challenges in making appropriate circulation control for individual inks in color inkjet printing apparatuses without incurring cost increases, leading to instability and reliability issues due to varying ink concentrations and consumption rates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an inkjet printing apparatus with a dual diaphragm pump system, where one pump is used for supplying ink and another for collecting ink, each with volume change portions and control members, allowing for adjustable flow rates and reducing the need for multiple pumps, thus optimizing ink circulation without increasing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If common circulation control is made by each color using the same pump type, then cost is reduced and space is saved, but appropriate circulation control per ink becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different control members for different ink circulation systems. Specifically, the yellow ink circulation system has a first control member that controls the first pump, while the cyan and magenta ink circulation systems have a second control member that controls the second pump. This allows each ink type to have customized circulation control tailored to its specific requirements, resolving the contradiction between using common pumps for cost reduction and achieving ink-specific circulation control.
2Stability of the object's composition
If ink circulation is increased to maintain ink supply, then ink concentration degradation is prevented, but viscosity increases for inks with less ejection frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ink circulation flow amounts adjustable rather than fixed. The control members can dynamically adjust the circulation flow rates based on actual printing conditions and ink characteristics. This allows the system to increase circulation for inks that need it (to prevent concentration degradation) while reducing circulation for inks with less ejection frequency (to prevent excessive viscosity increase), thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining concentration stability and ensuring image stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate pumps are used for each color ink circulation, then appropriate circulation control per ink is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ink circulation system into separate controllable units. Instead of using a single pump for all inks, the system segments the circulation into multiple independent loops, each with its own pump and control member. This segmentation enables independent circulation control for each ink type while using a manageable number of pumps, resolving the contradiction between achieving ink-specific circulation control and controlling costs.
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 solution enables precise control over ink circulation for each color, maintaining image stability and apparatus reliability while reducing costs by utilizing a common driving source for pumps and varying control mechanisms to match ink requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the first diaphragm pump includes a first volume change portion which allows volume changes and a first control member which controls a volume of the first volume change portion, the first diaphragm pump delivering ink in a first flow amount
Data Source
AI summary
In a color inkjet printing apparatus using an ink circulation system, there is provided an inkjet printing apparatus capable of making appropriate circulation control for individual inks without resulting in cost increase. To achieve this, an inkjet printing apparatus includes a plurality of diaphragm pumps for circulating ink within a print head, a sub-tank, a supply flow path, and a collection flow path. The plurality of diaphragm pumps are configured by mounting control members of different types which can press against diaphragm units of a same type.