Printer Air Priming Selective Tank Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face issues with air bubbles trapped in printheads causing undesired print artifacts, and existing priming systems are not efficient in selectively priming multiple color fluid tanks without fluid loss.
Innovation Solution
An air priming system with a chassis, motor unit, air pump unit, and adjustable priming units that allow selective priming of individual printer fluid tanks, preventing air flow to other tanks, thus preventing undesired fluid loss and bubble formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single air priming unit is used for multiple fluid tanks, then the device complexity is reduced, but fluid loss occurs during priming of other tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the priming function into multiple independent priming units (first priming unit, second priming unit, third priming unit, fourth priming unit), each dedicated to a specific fluid tank. This segmentation allows selective priming of individual tanks without affecting others, eliminating fluid loss to unintended tanks while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If air flow is not selectively controlled, then the ease of operation is improved, but undesired fluid loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Each priming unit incorporates dynamic flow control mechanisms including solenoid valves and check valves that can be activated or deactivated based on operational requirements. This allows the system to selectively control air flow to specific tanks during priming operations, preventing fluid loss while maintaining simple operation through automated valve control.
3Loss of substance
If multiple priming units are used for each fluid tank, then fluid loss is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each priming unit is designed as a multi-functional module that can selectively prime its associated tank while preventing fluid loss to other tanks. The universal design of the priming units, incorporating integrated solenoid valves, check valves, and air pump connections, allows the system to achieve precise fluid control without requiring excessive complexity in individual components.
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 controlled priming of individual printer fluid tanks, reducing air bubble issues and fluid loss, thereby improving print quality and maintaining fluid levels.
Implementation Method 1
The air pump unit can be controlled to provide pressurized air to a selected one of the priming units to allow selective priming of the printer fluid tanks
Implementation Method 2
The chassis can include a first solenoid valve that allows pressurized air from the air pump unit to flow to the first priming unit, and a second solenoid valve that allows pressurized air from the air pump unit to flow to the second priming unit
Implementation Method 3
The first priming unit can include a check valve that prevents pressurized air from flowing from the first priming unit to the second priming unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~8
AI summary
An air priming system is described that can prime printer fluid of one or more printer fluid tanks of a printer. The air priming system includes multiple priming units that are coupled together so as to be rotated or otherwise adjusted together to be placed into one of a plurality of priming stages. In each of the plurality of priming stages, air flow is either allowed or blocked through specific priming units.