Reusable Print Agent Container Concentration Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print apparatuses often consume print agent at concentrations higher than intended, leading to waste and overflow issues due to excess liquid carrier, which is not effectively managed by existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A reusable print agent container system with a pump and processing circuitry that transfers print agent of varying concentrations between a container and a reservoir, allowing for efficient use and recycling of print agent, preventing overflow and reducing waste by automatically managing print agent levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If print agent is consumed at a concentration higher than the concentration at which it is provided to the print agent tank, then printing performance is improved, but unused liquid carrier accumulates causing overflow and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a sensor to detect the concentration of print agent in the print agent tank and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the pumping rate of the liquid carrier to maintain the print agent at the desired concentration, preventing both overflow and waste of liquid carrier while ensuring optimal printing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the concentration parameter of the print agent by controlling the ratio of solid print agent to liquid carrier. The control unit adjusts the flow rate of liquid carrier based on detected concentration levels, allowing the system to operate at optimal concentrations for printing performance while preventing excess liquid carrier accumulation.
2Loss of substance
If a reusable print agent container is introduced to manage print agent concentrations, then waste is reduced and continuous operation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reusable print agent container serves multiple functions: it stores solid print agent, receives liquid carrier, allows for mixing to achieve desired concentrations, and enables recycling of unused liquid carrier. This multi-functionality reduces waste while the integrated design keeps the added complexity manageable within the existing print apparatus structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the print apparatus automatically manages print agent concentration by detecting levels and pumping additional liquid carrier or solid print agent as needed. This automation reduces manual intervention and allows continuous operation while the system self-regulates to prevent waste, making the increased complexity worthwhile.
3Productivity
If print agent concentration is automatically managed to prevent overflow, then resource efficiency is improved, but measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor continuously monitors the concentration of print agent in the tank and provides real-time feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of liquid carrier pumping to maintain optimal concentration, improving resource efficiency while the automated control reduces the need for complex manual measurement and intervention procedures.
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 reduces downtime and waste by automatically managing print agent concentrations, ensuring continuous operation and efficient use of resources, while allowing for high-concentration print agent to be used without modifying existing print apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a pump to transfer print agent of a first concentration from the reusable print agent container to a print agent tank of the print apparatus
Data Source
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AI summary
A print apparatus is disclosed. The print apparatus comprises a container-receiving unit for receiving a reusable print agent container; a print agent reservoir for storing print agent to be consumed by the print apparatus during a printing operation; a pump for transferring print agent between a reusable print agent container positioned in the container-receiving unit and the print agent reservoir; and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is to operate the pump to transfer print agent of a first concentration from the reusable print agent container to the print agent reservoir; and, responsive to determining that a volume of print agent of the first concentration in the reusable print agent container has fallen below a threshold volume, operate the pump to transfer a volume of print agent of a second, lower concentration from the print agent reservoir to the reusable print agent container. A method and a machine-readable medium are also disclosed.