Print Head Gas Circulation for Solvent Vapor Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing binary continuous jet printers face challenges in maximizing solvent vapor recovery within the print head cavity and minimizing solvent vapor escape, while also limiting the constraint on the Schmidt coefficient of the ink used.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a recovery gutter with a sloping first part and widening second part to accelerate ink suction, and injects gas into the cavity to circulate and bring solvent vapors back to the gutter, even from outside the boundary layer, allowing for enhanced vapor recovery and reduced vapor escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a volatile solvent is used to enable quick drying of ink, then drying speed is improved, but solvent vapor escape and environmental contamination worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gas circulation system that creates a controlled atmosphere within the print head cavity. Gas is injected to circulate and carry solvent vapors away from the printing zone, effectively creating an inert-like environment that prevents harmful vapor escape while maintaining quick drying through controlled solvent evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an injected gas as an intermediary substance that mediates between the volatile solvent and the external environment. This gas circulates within the cavity, captures solvent vapors, and transports them to designated exit points, thereby preventing direct escape of harmful vapors while preserving the drying function.
2Loss of substance
If gas is injected into the cavity to circulate solvent vapors, then vapor recovery is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The gas circulation system is designed to be self-regulating, where the injected gas naturally circulates through the cavity and carries vapors to recovery points without requiring complex control mechanisms. The system uses the natural flow dynamics and pressure differentials to achieve effective vapor recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by injecting gas into the cavity to create controlled flow patterns. This pneumatic approach uses gas pressure and flow dynamics to transport solvent vapors efficiently, providing a simpler alternative to mechanical vapor recovery systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the Schmidt coefficient constraint is relaxed to allow higher values, then ink formulation flexibility is improved, but solvent vapor escape worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing gas circulation and controlling flow dynamics within the cavity. This allows the use of inks with higher Schmidt coefficients (greater than 1) that would normally escape more vapor, because the gas circulation system actively captures and transports the vapors, decoupling the vapor generation from harmful escape.
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
This approach maximizes solvent vapor recovery within the print head, reduces solvent vapor escape, and allows for a higher Schmidt coefficient for the ink, improving operational efficiency and environmental safety.
Implementation Method 1
gas circulation in the cavity to the means for producing a plurality of ink jets in said cavity, then to the gutter
Implementation Method 2
recovery gutter with a sloping first part and widening second part to accelerate ink suction
Implementation Method 3
means for producing a plurality of ink jets in said cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A print head of a binary continuous jet printer comprising: a plurality of nozzles for producing a plurality of ink jets in a cavity delimited by lateral walls, an upper wall and a lower wall, a sorting unit for separating drops or sections of one or more of the jets intended for printing from drops or sections that do not serve for printing, a slot, which passes through the lower wall, enabling the exit of ink drops intended for printing, a gutter for recovering drops or sections not intended for printing, a conduit for injecting gas into the cavity, and for making this gas circulate, in the cavity, to the plurality of nozzles for producing a plurality of ink jets in the cavity, then to the gutter.