Print Head Primer Apparatus with Venting Structure for Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing systems face challenges in maintaining consistent air pressures for print head servicing and recirculation, leading to inconsistent results due to variability in air pumps and the lack of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control in some printing apparatus, which can cause drooling or inadequate recirculation.
Innovation Solution
A primer apparatus with a pump, outlet valve, and control valve in fluid communication, featuring a venting structure with a plug or obstruction to reduce air pressure, allowing for two distinct pressure modes by modifying the state of the air pump and control valve, ensuring steady pressures for both servicing and recirculation without relying on pump activation duration or PWM control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single air pressure is used for both print head servicing and recirculation, then the system is simple, but servicing effectiveness is compromised or drooling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the air pressure supply into two distinct pressure modes (high pressure for servicing, low pressure for recirculation) using a single primer apparatus. This is achieved through a control valve that can direct air flow to different outlets or regulate pressure to different levels, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple functions with different pressure requirements without requiring separate pump systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts air pressure between two distinct levels based on operational mode. The control valve enables transition between high-pressure mode (for effective print head servicing) and low-pressure mode (for recirculation without drooling), allowing the primer apparatus to adapt its output pressure to match the specific operational requirements at any given time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pump activation duration is varied to obtain different pressures, then pressure control is possible, but results are inconsistent due to pump variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor air pressure levels and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the control valve to adjust the air flow in real-time to maintain the desired pressure level, compensating for variations in pump performance and ensuring consistent pressure delivery regardless of pump activation duration or pump-to-pump variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces reliance on mechanical pump timing and duration control with a controlled valve system that uses electronic control and feedback. Instead of varying pump run time to control pressure, the system uses the control valve to regulate pressure based on sensor feedback, transitioning from a mechanically-timed system to a sensor-controlled system that achieves more consistent results.
3Productivity
If high pressure is used for recirculation, then recirculation is effective, but ink drooling occurs on nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different pressure levels to different operational modes: low pressure is specifically applied during recirculation operations to prevent ink drooling, while high pressure is reserved for servicing operations that require greater force. The control valve enables selective application of appropriate pressure levels to the recirculation pathway, ensuring that recirculation effectiveness is maintained without causing harmful drooling.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If low pressure is used for servicing, then drooling is prevented, but servicing effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between low-pressure mode (for recirculation to prevent drooling) and high-pressure mode (for servicing to ensure effectiveness). The control valve enables rapid transition between these pressure states, allowing the system to apply high pressure only when servicing is required and low pressure when recirculation is performed, thus preventing drooling while maintaining servicing effectiveness when needed.
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 provides consistent high and low air pressures for effective print head servicing and recirculation, preventing ink drooling and ensuring reliable operation across different printing systems, even those without PWM control, by maintaining steady states through relief and outlet valves.
Implementation Method 1
the outlet valve comprising a venting structure to reduce the pressure of a flow of air supplied to the print head structure when the control valve is open
Data Source
AI summary
A primer apparatus for a print head structure of an inkjet printer, in which the primer apparatus comprises a pump to supply a flow of air to the print head structure, an outlet valve and a control valve in fluid communication with and disposed between the pump and the outlet valve, the outlet valve comprising a venting structure to reduce the pressure of a flow of air supplied to the print head structure when the control valve is open.