Printer Ink Circulation Flow Paths for White Ink Settlement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink settlement in non-circulated flow paths within printers leads to deterioration in print quality, particularly evident with white ink which is more prone to sedimentation compared to color inks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a printer design that includes multiple flow paths and circulation paths to ensure ink circulation between the main tank, sub pouch, and head, utilizing electromagnetic valves and pumps to manage the flow, thereby preventing ink settlement and maintaining print quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single flow path is used to supply ink from the main tank to the head, then the device complexity is reduced, but ink settlement occurs in non-circulated portions leading to deterioration in print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The ink flow system is divided into multiple independent flow paths: a first flow path for supplying ink from the main tank to the sub pouch, and a second flow path for supplying ink from the sub pouch to the head. This segmentation allows different portions of the system to be optimized independently, with circulation paths ensuring ink movement in each segment to prevent settlement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub pouch acts as a pre-suppplied ink reservoir that is filled in advance from the main tank. This preliminary action ensures that the head always has access to freshly circulated ink from the sub pouch, preventing settlement before the ink reaches the ejection point.
2Reliability
If ink circulation is implemented between main tank and sub pouch, then ink settlement is prevented in the supply path, but additional circulation paths and components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The supply function and circulation function are merged into a unified system. The first flow path serves both to supply ink from the main tank to the sub pouch and to enable circulation when combined with the return path from the sub pouch to the main tank. This merging reduces the need for completely separate circulation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow paths are designed to serve multiple functions: the first flow path supplies ink during normal operation and enables main tank circulation during idle periods; the second flow path supplies ink to the head and enables sub pouch circulation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective circulation.
3Reliability
If multiple circulation paths are implemented for white ink and color ink, then print quality is maintained for both ink types, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different circulation characteristics are provided for different ink types based on their specific requirements. White ink, being more prone to settlement, receives continuous circulation through the first flow path. Color ink receives circulation through the second flow path. Each circulation path is optimized for its specific ink type while using a unified structural framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a temporal dimension to ink circulation by implementing different circulation modes: during printing operations, both circulation paths operate simultaneously; during idle periods, circulation continues through the main tank path. This temporal variation allows quality maintenance without requiring permanently active complex circulation for all paths.
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 circulation of ink through the printer's flow paths reduces the likelihood of sedimentation, enhancing print quality by ensuring consistent ink supply and preventing clogging, especially for white ink.
Implementation Method 1
a pump, and a first circulation flow path connected to the sub pouch, the pump, and the main tank
Implementation Method 2
utilizing electromagnetic valves and pumps to manage the flow
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a first storage, a head, a first supply flow path, a first circulation flow path, a second supply flow path, and a second circulation flow path. The first storage is configured to be supplied with ink from a second storage, and is configured to store the supplied ink. The head configured to eject the ink. The first supply flow path merges with one of the second supply flow path and the second circulation flow path at one of a first connector and the first storage. The first circulation flow path merges with the other of the second supply flow path and the second circulation flow path at one of a second connector and the first storage.