Liquid Supply System Circulation for Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid supply systems for printers, stagnation of liquid in tanks or tubes can lead to non-uniform temperature and concentration distributions, causing abnormalities in liquid supply and usage.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supply system that includes tubes, a liquid delivery mechanism, a processor, and a memory, which circulates the liquid between a tank and a printer via the tubes, controlling the liquid delivery mechanism to maintain a uniform state of the liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid is stored in the tank and supplied to the printer via tubes, then liquid supply function is achieved, but liquid stagnation occurs causing non-uniform temperature and concentration distributions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic circulation of liquid between the tank and printer through alternating opening and closing of the liquid delivery mechanism. This periodic action prevents liquid stagnation by continuously moving liquid through the system, thereby maintaining uniform temperature and concentration distributions while ensuring reliable liquid supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a continuous circulation system where liquid is constantly moved between the tank and printer through the tubes. This continuous action prevents stagnation and maintains homogeneous liquid properties throughout the system, ensuring both reliable supply and uniform composition.
2Ease of operation
If liquid delivery mechanism is used to control liquid flow, then liquid supply control is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid delivery mechanism operates automatically based on control signals from the processor, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates liquid flow between tank and printer through automated opening and closing actions, simplifying operation while managing complexity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor monitors and controls the liquid delivery mechanism based on system state, creating a feedback loop that automatically adjusts liquid flow. This feedback mechanism simplifies operation by automating control decisions while managing system complexity through centralized intelligent control.
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 system effectively suppresses the formation of non-uniform liquid states within the tank or tube, ensuring consistent and reliable liquid supply to the printer.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid delivery mechanism is a mechanism provided in the one or plurality of tubes, and configured to switch between a liquid delivery state of the liquid flowing between the tank and the printer via the one or plurality of tubes, and a stopped state of stopping the liquid from flowing between the tank and the printer via the one or plurality of tubes
Implementation Method 2
return processing of returning the liquid from the printer toward the tank via the one or plurality of tubes, by controlling the liquid delivery mechanism to be in the liquid delivery state
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid supply system includes one or a plurality tubes, a liquid delivery mechanism and a processor. The one or plurality tubes is connected to a tank. The tank is provided further upstream than a printer. Liquid flows through the one or plurality tubes between the tank and the printer. The liquid delivery mechanism is provided in the one or plurality of tubes, and switches between a liquid delivery state and a stopped state. The processor performs supply processing of supplying the liquid from the tank toward the printer via the one or plurality of tubes, by controlling the liquid delivery mechanism to be in the liquid delivery state, and return processing of returning the liquid from the printer toward the tank via the one or plurality of tubes, by controlling the liquid delivery mechanism to be in the liquid delivery state.