Multi-Nozzle Liquid Discharge for Faster Edge and Fill Drawing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques fail to optimize ink discharge during contour line and surface portion drawing processes, resulting in suboptimal quality and prolonged drawing times.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharge apparatus with multiple nozzles of varying specifications is used to differentiate between contour line and surface portion drawing processes, employing distinct nozzle characteristics for each process to enhance drawing quality and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional liquid discharge apparatus is used, then the structure is simple, but liquid discharge stops when the liquid level in the tank becomes low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid discharge continuityVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A communication chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the liquid supply tank and the nozzle. This chamber allows liquid to be supplied from the tank to the nozzle even when the liquid level in the tank drops below the nozzle level, maintaining continuous liquid discharge while preserving a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication chamber extends in the vertical dimension below the nozzle level, allowing liquid to be stored and supplied from a lower level. This vertical dimensionality change enables the liquid supply tank to be positioned higher while still maintaining continuous supply to the nozzle even when the tank level drops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the liquid supply tank is positioned high to enable gravity-fed discharge, then liquid can be supplied without pressure, but liquid discharge stops when the tank level falls below the nozzle level

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid discharge continuityVSAvoidliquid supply tank position
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication chamber acts as an intermediary that bridges the vertical level difference between the nozzle and the liquid supply tank. It allows liquid to flow from the higher tank position to the nozzle even when the tank level drops below the nozzle level, maintaining continuous discharge without requiring the tank to be positioned lower.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If air is supplied to prevent liquid discharge stoppage, then liquid discharge continues, but bubbles are mixed into the liquid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid discharge continuityVSAvoidbubble contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication chamber serves as an intermediary reservoir that maintains liquid supply continuity without requiring air injection. Liquid flows through this chamber from the supply tank to the nozzle, ensuring continuous discharge while keeping the liquid free from bubble contamination that would result from air supply methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 achieves high-quality drawing in a shorter time by optimizing ink discharge for each process, utilizing nozzles with tailored parameters for edge and internal regions.

Implementation Method 1

When the liquid level in the liquid supply tank 14 is above the communication chamber 42, liquid is supplied from the liquid supply tank 14 to the communication chamber 42

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

When the liquid level in the liquid supply tank 14 is below the communication chamber 42, liquid is supplied from the liquid supply tank 14 to the communication chamber 42 under pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

the liquid discharge nozzle 36 discharges liquid to a liquid discharge destination under pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4466143B1Liquid discharge apparatus and liquid discharge method
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4466143B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4466143B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4466143B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A liquid discharge apparatus includes discharge nozzles, a carriage, a conveyor, and a controller. The discharge nozzles discharge liquid. The carriage holds the discharge nozzles. The conveyor conveys the carriage. The controller controls drawing of an object to be drawn, using the discharge nozzles. The controller draws an outer edge portion of the object using one discharge nozzle of the discharge nozzles in an outer-edge-portion drawing process, and draws a portion inside the outer edge portion of the object using another discharge nozzle of the discharge nozzles in an internal drawing process, the one discharge nozzle and said another discharge nozzle being different in characteristic.