Pressure Fluctuation Suppression Device With Deterioration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face issues with pressure fluctuations in the ink flow path due to acceleration, leading to potential damage of the flexible film used for pressure suppression, which can result in ink leakage and image defects over time.
Innovation Solution
A pressure fluctuation suppression device equipped with a flexible film and a spring mechanism that detects deterioration, allowing for predictive maintenance and replacement before damage occurs, thereby preventing ink leakage and maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible film is used as a pressure fluctuation suppression device in an inkjet head, then pressure fluctuations are suppressed and ejection defects are reduced, but the flexible film deteriorates over time due to repeated heating and cooling cycles, leading to damage and ink leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the pressure fluctuation suppression device by replacing the flexible film with a porous material that has specific pore size, porosity, and permeability characteristics. This material can withstand repeated thermal cycles without the deterioration issues that plague flexible films, thereby extending service life while maintaining pressure fluctuation suppression functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a replaceable pressure fluctuation suppression device that can be easily replaced when worn or clogged. This disposable approach is more economical than attempting to extend the life of a deteriorating flexible film, allowing the inkjet head to be quickly serviced without replacing the entire head assembly.
2Reliability
If the flexible film is repeatedly heated by hot ink during image formation, then pressure fluctuation suppression function is maintained, but the flexible film gradually expands and deteriorates, eventually becoming damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by substituting the flexible film with a porous material whose structural properties (pore size, porosity, permeability) are specifically designed to withstand repeated thermal exposure. This material does not expand or deteriorate like the flexible film, maintaining both functional and structural integrity over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a porous material with specific thermal and mechanical properties to create a pressure fluctuation suppression device that can handle hot ink without deteriorating. The composite material approach allows optimization of both thermal resistance and mechanical strength simultaneously.
3Reliability
If a porous material with small pore size and low porosity is used to suppress pressure fluctuations, then pressure suppression is improved, but ink may become clogged in the pores, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the pore size, porosity, and permeability parameters of the porous material to achieve a balance between pressure fluctuation suppression and ink flow. The specific parameter ranges are selected to prevent clogging while maintaining effective pressure suppression, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
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 solution effectively suppresses pressure fluctuations and predicts impending damage to the flexible film, ensuring continuous operation and preventing ink leakage, thus maintaining the integrity of the inkjet printer's performance.
Implementation Method 1
The spring 1102 pushed the flexible film 1101 towards the outside of the accommodating portion 11
Implementation Method 2
the flexible film 1101 deforms and changes a volume of the accommodating portion 11
Implementation Method 3
When temperature is repeatedly raised each time, an image is formed in this way, the flexible film 1103 gradually expands
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure fluctuation suppression device including a suppressor and a detector. The suppressor is disposed on a flow path of a liquid and suppresses fluctuations in pressure of the liquid in the flow path. The detector detects deterioration of a suppression function of the suppressor.