Inkjet Printer Sub Tank Reverse Flow Particle Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet printers face challenges in suppressing the deposition of ink fine particles in sub tanks due to complex chamber shapes, leading to deteriorated ink flow and reduced ink concentration, even with circulation control.

Innovation Solution

An inkjet printer system with an inkjet head and sub tank featuring an ink outflow and inflow port configuration that generates a reverse ink flow at predetermined timings, combined with a pressure adjustment mechanism and carriage vibration, to improve ink flow and prevent particle deposition regardless of chamber shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If circulation control is implemented in the sub tank, then ink fine particle deposition is suppressed, but complex chamber shapes still cause deteriorated ink flow and particle deposition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink fine particle deposition suppressionVSAvoidink chamber shape complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a reverse circulation path that flows ink in the opposite direction through the ink chamber. This reverse flow invigorates stagnant regions caused by complex chamber shapes, preventing particle deposition in areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach with conventional unidirectional circulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The ink circulation system is divided into multiple independent paths: a normal circulation path and a reverse circulation path. This segmentation allows each path to address specific flow patterns, with the reverse path specifically targeting stagnant regions that the normal path cannot effectively reach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of stationary object

If the ink chamber shape is complex, then storage capacity is increased, but ink flow deterioration and particle deposition occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink storage capacityVSAvoidink flow quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing a reverse circulation path, the system addresses the flow stagnation problem inherent in complex chamber shapes. The reverse flow actively invigorates stagnant regions, ensuring that increased storage capacity does not come at the cost of particle deposition in difficult-to-reach areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous circulation through both normal and reverse paths, ensuring that all regions of the ink chamber, including those with complex geometries, receive continuous ink flow. This continuous action prevents particle settlement regardless of chamber shape complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Quantity of substance

If circulation control is used, then ink concentration is maintained, but particle deposition still occurs in stagnant flow regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink concentrationVSAvoidparticle deposition prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reverse circulation path specifically targets stagnant regions where particles would otherwise deposit, even when overall ink concentration is maintained. By creating flow in the opposite direction, the system invigorates these stagnant zones and prevents localized particle accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The reverse circulation path is specifically designed to address local flow stagnation problems in certain regions of the ink chamber. Rather than treating all areas uniformly, the system provides targeted flow invigoration to stagnant regions, preventing particle deposition where it is most likely to occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Effectively suppresses ink fine particle deposition in both the sub tank and inkjet head by enhancing ink flow and diffusing particles into the solvent, maintaining ink concentration and preventing clogging.

Implementation Method 1

the carriage is vibrated at a predetermined timing when the inkjet head is not ejecting ink droplets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a flow of ink from the ink outflow port toward the ink inflow port is generated by making the pressure in the sub tank higher than before

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10974519B2Inkjet printer and control method for inkjet printer

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO LTD

AI summary

An inkjet printer includes an inkjet head that ejects ink droplets, and a sub tank that stores an ink to be supplied to the inkjet head, where the sub tank is provided with an ink outflow port through which the ink flows out from the sub tank, and an ink inflow port through which the ink that flowed out from the ink outflow port and passed through a predetermined circulation path flows toward the sub tank. In the inkjet printer, the ink is flowed out from the ink inflow port and the ink that passed through the circulation path is flowed into the sub tank from the ink outflow port at a predetermined timing.