Nanocomposite Inkjet Printer with Integrated Factory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inkjet printers require frequent replacement of cartridges, leading to waste and inefficiency, as they lack a system for continuous production and reuse of nanocomposite ink.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a nanocomposite-ink factory within the printer system that produces and supplies nanocomposite ink to the printhead, allowing for continuous flow and refill, using a combination of nanoparticle and organic-matrix reservoirs, homogenization, and continuous flow reactors for on-demand production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional inkjet printers use replaceable cartridges with fixed ink reservoirs, then the printing system is simple and easy to operate, but frequent cartridge replacement is required leading to waste and inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous printing capabilityVSAvoidprinter system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ink production system with the printing system by integrating a nanocomposite-ink factory directly into the printer. This combination allows the printer to both produce and deposit ink continuously, eliminating the need for separate ink reservoirs and cartridges while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous ink production through a nanocomposite-ink factory that continuously synthesizes ink from nanoparticle and organic-matrix reservoirs. This continuous production system eliminates interruptions for cartridge replacement and ensures uninterrupted printing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Loss of time

If inkjet printers use large refillable ink reservoirs, then cartridge replacement frequency is reduced, but the system still requires manual refilling and eventual replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for cartridge replacementVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The printer performs self-service by automatically producing its own nanocomposite ink through an integrated factory system. The system continuously synthesizes ink from stored nanoparticles and organic matrices, eliminating the need for external refilling or cartridge replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares ink components (nanoparticles and organic matrices) in advance and stores them in separate reservoirs. The nanocomposite-ink factory continuously combines these pre-prepared components to produce ink on-demand, preventing any interruption in printing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional printers use fixed composition ink in cartridges, then the printing process is simple, but the ink composition cannot be optimized for different printing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink composition flexibilityVSAvoidink production system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ink composition is made dynamic and adjustable through the nanocomposite-ink factory, which can continuously modify the ratio of nanoparticles to organic matrices based on printing requirements. This dynamic system allows real-time optimization of ink properties for different applications while maintaining a relatively simple operational interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient and continuous deposition of nanocomposite ink, reducing waste and the need for frequent cartridge replacements, while allowing for precise control and optimization of ink composition and production based on printing requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a homogenization device for homogenizing the nanoparticle material and the organic-matrix material to produce the nanocomposite ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHomogenization:

Implementation Method 2

a continuous flow reactor for producing the nanoparticle material from precursor chemicals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

The printhead having a nozzle to dispense nanocomposite-ink droplets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9539802B2Nanocomposite inkjet printer with integrated nanocomposite-ink factory

Publication Date: 2017.01.10 VADIENT OPTICS LLC

AI summary

An apparatus for depositing nanocomposite material comprising a nanocomposite-ink factory and inkjet printer. The nanocomposite-ink factory producing nanocomposite-ink and the inkjet printer receiving the nanocomposite-ink. The inkjet printer having a printhead and a positioning mechanism. The printhead having one or more nozzles to dispense nanocomposite-ink droplets.