Printer Carriage Stirrer for Ink Sedimentation Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing technologies face issues with ink sedimentation, leading to uneven colors and clogging, especially when using inks with high-specific-gravity solutes like titanium dioxide, due to inadequate stirring methods that are labor-intensive and inconsistent.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus with a carriage that moves between a printing area and a stirring area, equipped with a stirrer that fastens to the carriage and shakes the ink tank to ensure thorough mixing without manual effort, maintaining ink homogeneity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual shaking method is used to stir ink, then labor effort is required, but stirring consistency and reliability are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestirring operationVSAvoidstirring consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ink tank is designed with an integrated stirring mechanism that automatically stirs the ink without requiring manual intervention. The stirring unit is built into the tank structure and operates autonomously to maintain ink homogeneity, eliminating the need for users to manually shake or stir the ink while ensuring consistent mixing results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The stirring mechanism utilizes mechanical vibration to mix the ink effectively. By applying vibrational motion to the ink tank, the system achieves thorough mixing of ink components without requiring manual shaking, thereby improving both ease of operation and stirring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Stability of the object's composition

If manual shaking is performed with excessive force, then stirring may be sufficient, but bubbles occur in the tank

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink homogeneityVSAvoidbubble formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stirring mechanism utilizes mechanical vibration to mix the ink effectively. By applying vibrational motion to the ink tank, the system achieves thorough mixing of ink components without requiring manual shaking, thereby improving both ease of operation and stirring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The stirring mechanism operates with controlled periodic motion rather than continuous vigorous shaking. This periodic action allows for gentle yet effective mixing that prevents bubble formation while maintaining ink homogeneity throughout the tank.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Manufacturing precision

If ink with high-specific-gravity solutes is used, then base layer coverage is improved, but sedimentation occurs leading to uneven colors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebase layer uniformityVSAvoidink composition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The ink tank is designed with an integrated stirring mechanism that automatically stirs the ink without requiring manual intervention. The stirring unit is built into the tank structure and operates autonomously to maintain ink homogeneity, eliminating the need for users to manually shake or stir the ink while ensuring consistent mixing results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The stirring mechanism operates continuously or at regular intervals to maintain ink homogeneity throughout the usage period. This continuous action ensures that high-specific-gravity solutes remain evenly distributed in the ink, preventing sedimentation and maintaining consistent base layer coverage during printing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 solution enables stable and high-quality printing by effectively preventing sedimentation and clogging, ensuring even ink density and reducing user labor, while maintaining the apparatus's compactness and accuracy in conveying mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

the solutes dissolved evenly throughout the solvent or a state close to the above is the originally assumed state in use... solutes with a large specific gravity and such components tend to settle... If printing is performed using ink in which sedimentation of solutes progressed, printing results may include uneven colors due to unevenness in ink density

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentUS11760100B2Printing apparatus, printing control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes the following. A carriage is capable of holding at least one tank containing ink and performs printing in a printing area in the apparatus. A driver moves the carriage between at least the printing area and a stirring area provided outside the printing area. A stirrer is provided in the stirring area and is capable of stirring the ink in the tank. The stirrer is in a fastened state with the carriage in response to the driver moving the carriage to the stirring area, and stirs the ink in the tank in the fastened state.