Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Static Mixer Ink Precipitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink-jet printers, face issues with precipitation of precipitating ingredients in ink due to stationary ink states, leading to poor printing quality, and require complex mechanisms to mitigate this, increasing the printer's size.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a static mixer positioned closer to the ejecting section than the ink supply source, combined with a flexible reservoir and filters, reduces precipitation by stirring the ink through flow changes and pressure regulation, allowing for efficient removal of foreign objects and air bubbles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a static mixer is provided in the communication passage between ink cartridge and ink tank to reduce precipitation, then printing quality is improved, but the printer size increases due to the required mechanism for ink circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the ink circulation function from a separate mechanical system and integrates it into the liquid ejecting section's movement mechanism. The liquid ejecting section itself moves to circulate ink through the supply path, eliminating the need for dedicated circulation mechanisms and reducing overall device size while maintaining precipitation reduction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid ejecting section is given dual functionality: it both ejects liquid onto the medium and circulates liquid through the supply path by moving back and forth. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate circulation mechanisms, reducing device complexity and size while ensuring continuous ink flow to prevent precipitation
2Stability of the object's composition
If a static mixer is used to stir ink and reduce precipitation, then ink uniformity is improved, but pressure fluctuations occur in the supply path
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid reservoir is introduced as an intermediary component between the static mixer and the liquid ejecting section. This reservoir acts as a buffer that absorbs pressure fluctuations generated by the static mixer while ensuring stable liquid supply to the ejecting section, decoupling the pressure instability from the ejection process
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid reservoir is positioned to receive and buffer pressure fluctuations before the liquid reaches the ejecting section. By placing the reservoir in advance in the supply path, pressure variations are cushioned beforehand, preventing direct impact on ejection stability while maintaining the beneficial mixing effect
3Manufacturing precision
If the liquid ejecting section moves to stir liquid in the supply path, then precipitation is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the liquid circulation function with the liquid ejecting section's inherent movement. The ejecting section moves back and forth along the supply path to circulate liquid, combining what would traditionally be separate functions into a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall system complexity
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 configuration effectively reduces precipitation and improves printing quality with a simpler structure, enhancing the ejection of ink by mitigating pressure fluctuations and trapping impurities, resulting in better ink flow and reduced nozzle clogging.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid located closer to the liquid supply source as compared with the static mixer flows through the static mixer when flowing toward the liquid ejecting section upon liquid ejection by the liquid ejecting section. Because of changes in the flow of the liquid, precipitation is reduced as if the liquid were actually stirred
Implementation Method 2
the liquid reservoir, at least a part of which is made of the flexible member, is provided on the supply path at a position closer to the liquid ejecting section than the static mixer. Therefore, it is possible to mitigate pressure fluctuations caused due to the flow of liquid through the static mixer by means of the liquid reservoir provided therebetween
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprises: a liquid ejecting section that ejects liquid; a supply path through which the liquid is supplied from a liquid supply source to the liquid ejecting section; a movement mechanism that causes the liquid ejecting section to move; and a static mixer that is provided on the supply path and gives rise to a change in a flow of the liquid through the supply path; wherein the movement mechanism causes the liquid ejecting section to move before ejection of the liquid onto a medium by the liquid ejecting section, and the supply path located between the liquid ejecting section and the static mixer moves due to the movement.