Inkjet Dispenser Single Pump Refill System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuous ink delivery systems in inkjet printers require manual and messy refills, which do not scale well for larger printers and limit their physical configuration due to the need for large refill containers and bubbling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A single pump is used to circulate ink through the printbar and refill the reservoir from a removable container, utilizing a passive flow device like a needle/septum interface or check valve to maintain continuous ink flow during printing, allowing refills without interrupting the printing process and providing flexibility in printer configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual refilling is used, then the system is simple, but the refilling process is messy and difficult to perform while printing
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service refilling by using the existing circulation pump to automatically transfer ink from the removable container through the flow path to the printhead and back to the reservoir, eliminating the need for manual pouring and reducing spills while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The pump performs preliminary action by circulating ink through the flow path before refilling occurs, ensuring the system is ready to receive ink from the removable container and maintain continuous operation without interrupting printing
2Productivity
If bubbling refill mechanism is used, then refill rate is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing circulation pump is made multi-functional by using it for both its original purpose of maintaining ink flow to printheads and for refilling the reservoir from removable containers, eliminating the need for separate bubbling refill mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The refilling function is merged with the existing ink circulation system by connecting removable containers to the flow path, combining the pump's circulation role with the refilling role into a single integrated system
3Quantity of substance
If large refill containers are used, then refill volume is improved, but the physical configuration flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply is segmented into a permanent reservoir and removable containers, allowing the refill volume to be divided into manageable units that can be positioned flexibly around the printer rather than requiring a single large fixed container
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path acts as an intermediary connection between removable containers and the permanent reservoir, enabling flexible positioning of containers away from the reservoir while maintaining efficient ink transfer through the circulation system
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 efficient and mess-free refills for higher volume printers, allowing greater freedom in positioning the refill station and maintaining uninterrupted printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a single pump to pump ink along the flow path (1) from the reservoir through the printhead unit and back to the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a check valve or other suitable pressure control device at the outlet from the reservoir to enable the preferential flow of ink from the refill container by making the pressure to pull liquid from the reservoir greater than the pressure to pull ink from the refill container
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
In one example, a liquid delivery system for an inkjet type dispenser includes: a printhead unit; a reservoir separate from the printhead unit; a flow path from the reservoir through the printhead unit and back to the reservoir; an interconnect to connect a removable liquid container to the flow path; and a single pump to pump ink along the flow path: from the reservoir through the printhead unit and back to the reservoir; and from the interconnect to the reservoir when a removable liquid container is connected to the interconnect.