Ink-jet Image Forming Device Vacuum Path Degassing Blockage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jet image forming devices face issues with blockages in the vacuum path due to the inflow of monomers and gels from the degassing unit, leading to decreased degassing efficiency and increased downtime for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
An ink-jet image forming device with a degassing unit incorporating a gas-permeable membrane and a vacuum path that includes a storage space maintained at a raised temperature to prevent blockages, using a heat source to keep the viscosity of monomers and gels low, and a cleaning mechanism to manage the inflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a degassing unit with gas-permeable hollow fiber is used to remove dissolved gas from ink, then degassing function is improved, but monomers and gels flow out through the hollow fiber and block the vacuum path
Solution Approach 1:
A storage space is introduced as an intermediary component between the degassing unit and the vacuum pump. This storage space collects monomers and gels that flow out through the hollow fiber, preventing them from reaching and blocking the vacuum path. The storage space acts as a buffer that separates the degassing function from the vacuum system, allowing both to operate effectively without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful components (monomers and gels) are extracted from the main vacuum path by diverting them into a separate storage space. This extraction prevents the monomers and gels from traveling through and blocking the vacuum path, while still allowing the vacuum pump to maintain negative pressure for effective degassing.
2Productivity
If the vacuum path is cleaned periodically to remove blockages, then degassing efficiency is restored, but machine downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage space is designed to preliminarily collect and contain monomers and gels before they can block the vacuum path. By providing this preliminary containment, the system prevents blockages from occurring in the first place, eliminating the need for periodic cleaning operations and reducing machine downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage space automatically collects and contains the harmful components without requiring external intervention or manual cleaning. The system self-manages the separation of monomers and gels from the vacuum path, maintaining continuous operation without periodic maintenance stops.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the storage space is maintained at raised temperature, then viscosity of monomers and gels is reduced and blockage is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature parameter of the storage space is changed and maintained at a raised level. This parameter change reduces the viscosity of monomers and gels, preventing them from solidifying and blocking the vacuum path. The heated state ensures continuous flow of harmful components into the storage space without clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
By maintaining the storage space at raised temperature, the monomers and gels remain in a more fluid state with lower viscosity. The thermal energy prevents the gel components from solidifying, ensuring they continue to flow smoothly through the vacuum path into the storage space without causing blockages.
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
Prevents blockages in the vacuum path, reduces downtime by eliminating the need for frequent cleaning, and maintains efficient degassing performance by keeping the monomers and gels in a liquid state, thereby extending the interval between maintenance operations.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-permeable degassing membrane one surface of which is brought into contact with ink in the ink flow path
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum sucker that evacuates the degassing unit
Implementation Method 3
the storage space may be maintained at a raised temperature by a heat source
Data Source
AI summary
An ink-jet image forming device includes: an ink flow path; a degassing unit provided in the middle of the ink flow path including a gas-permeable degassing membrane one surface of which is brought into contact with ink in the ink flow path; a vacuum sucker that evacuates the degassing unit; and a vacuum path connecting the vacuum sucker and the degassing unit, wherein the vacuum path is arranged so as to evacuate on a surface side opposite to a surface side brought into contact with the ink of the degassing membrane in the degassing unit, a storage space for storing an inflow flowing into the degassing membrane and the vacuum path is included in the middle of the vacuum path, and the storage space may be maintained at a raised temperature by a heat source.