Modular Ink Delivery System with Passive Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital inkjet printing systems face challenges in maintaining reliable and efficient ink delivery to printheads, leading to high maintenance costs and downtime due to complex pressure regulation systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular ink delivery system with integral pressure regulators and a pump box that controls ink flow through multiple fluid paths, including filters, degas units, and check valves, to maintain consistent pressure and prevent backflow, allowing for easy replacement of components and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If electrically controlled air pressure regulators are used to modulate ink pressure, then ink delivery pressure can be controlled, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure regulation function from complex electrically controlled systems and implements it through simple passive components. The pressure regulation is achieved by removing excess ink through capillary action in wicks and gravity-driven flow control, eliminating the need for electrically controlled air pressure regulators while maintaining reliable pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink delivery system uses self-regulating mechanisms where the ink reservoir's weight and capillary action automatically maintain consistent pressure. The system self-regulates ink flow without external electrical control, using the inherent properties of the ink and container to provide stable pressure to the printheads.
2Stress or pressure
If complex pressure regulation systems are used, then ink delivery can be controlled, but maintenance costs and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable or easily replaceable passive components such as wicks, filters, and reservoirs. These simple components can be quickly replaced without specialized tools or expertise, reducing maintenance time and costs while maintaining system reliability. The modular design allows rapid replacement of any failing component.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing complex electrical control systems and their associated failure points, the patent extracts the pressure regulation function to passive mechanical and physical mechanisms. This reduction in system complexity directly improves reliability by eliminating electronic failures while maintaining adequate pressure control through physical principles.
3Device complexity
If simple ink delivery systems are used, then maintenance is reduced, but pressure control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-regulating physical mechanisms where capillary action in wicks and gravity-driven flow automatically maintain consistent pressure. The ink reservoir's weight and the capillary properties of the delivery channels create a self-balancing system that provides precise pressure control without external intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles where the weight of the ink reservoir and capillary pressure create consistent fluid pressure. The passive pressure regulation through fluid dynamics and capillary action provides precise pressure control while maintaining system simplicity, eliminating the need for electrical control systems.
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 provides reliable and efficient ink delivery with reduced maintenance needs, ensuring consistent pressure to printheads and minimizing downtime by using a modular design with active pump boxes and passive components, enhancing the overall performance of digital inkjet printing.
Implementation Method 1
The pump box is coupled to the ink supply, the buffer tank, and the print module and controls ink flow between the various components of the ink delivery system
Implementation Method 2
The pump box includes filters, degas units, check valves, and pumps
Implementation Method 3
The pump box includes filters, degas units, check valves, and pumps
Implementation Method 4
The pump box includes filters, degas units, check valves, and pumps
Implementation Method 5
Typical inkjet printheads eject droplets of ink from very tiny nozzles that refill themselves via capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system that comprises a media transport system for conveying a print media along a media path in a first direction. A plurality of print modules each spanning the print media path along a second direction. Each print module defines a major axis along the second direction. A minor axis that aligns along the first direction and an intermediate axis with each of the print modules. A printhead array that includes printheads spaced from the media path. A fluid regulator portion configured to regulate a fluid pressure in the printhead portion. Each of the print modules are configured to be installed into and removed from the printing system as an integral unit.