Liquid Ejection Filtration with Pressure-Based Filter Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid ejection apparatuses face issues with filter clogging due to sedimentation and aggregation of solid components in inks with high viscosity or high solid content, leading to increased fluid resistance and nozzle omission, with existing systems requiring filter replacement without recovery options.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with pressure measurement devices upstream and downstream of a filter, controlled by circuitry to perform liquid discharge operations based on pressure measurements, allowing for filter recovery by removing foreign matter and replacing liquid in the head tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is disposed in the liquid supply path to filter the liquid, then the liquid ejection quality is improved, but the filter eventually clogs due to sedimentation and aggregation of solid components, requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers filter functionality by discharging the liquid from the head tank to remove foreign matter and sediment that cause clogging, then replenishing fresh liquid. This recovery process extends filter service life without requiring replacement, directly addressing the contradiction between maintaining filter functionality and extending its duration of action.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure measurement devices monitor the pressure difference across the filter to detect clogging conditions. When the pressure difference exceeds a threshold, the system automatically initiates liquid discharge to clear the filter. This feedback mechanism ensures the filter operates reliably while extending its service life through timely maintenance.
2Measurement precision
If pressure measurement devices are disposed upstream and downstream of the filter to monitor pressure, then the filter clogging detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure measurement devices enable the system to self-diagnose filter clogging conditions and automatically initiate liquid discharge when needed. This self-service capability maintains high measurement precision for detecting clogging while reducing the need for manual intervention and complex external monitoring systems.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If liquid discharge operation is performed to clear filter clogs, then the filter service life is extended, but liquid is lost from the head tank
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs controlled liquid discharge to remove only the portion of liquid containing foreign matter and sediment that causes clogging, then replenishes fresh liquid. This targeted approach extends filter service life while minimizing unnecessary liquid loss compared to complete system drainage.
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
The apparatus effectively recovers filter functionality by discharging liquid to clear clogs, preventing filter deterioration and maintaining stable operation without the need for frequent filter replacement.
Implementation Method 1
pressure measurement devices respectively disposed upstream and downstream of the filter
Implementation Method 2
a liquid delivery device that delivers the liquid from the head tank to the liquid ejection head via the liquid supply path
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus is provided that includes: a head tank that stores a liquid; a liquid ejection head that ejects the liquid supplied from the head tank; a liquid supply path between the head tank and the liquid ejection head; a liquid delivery device that delivers the liquid from the head tank to the liquid ejection head via the liquid supply path; a filter disposed in the liquid supply path; pressure measurement devices respectively disposed upstream and downstream of the filter; and circuitry configured to control the liquid delivery device to perform a liquid discharge operation to discharge the liquid in the head tank based on a result calculated from measurement values of the pressure measurement devices.