Printer Recirculation System Vapor Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printers face inefficiencies in vapor management, as varying ink usage leads to fluctuations in ink carrier vapor concentrations, reducing the effectiveness of condensers and resulting in increased emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are regulated by government agencies.
Innovation Solution
A recirculation system with a duct directing a mixture of air and ink carrier vapor to a condenser, where the fan speed is adjusted based on ink usage and oil-to-ink ratio to maintain vapor concentration, allowing for efficient condensation and recycling of ink carrier vapor, while preventing dilution from outside air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a condenser is used to remove heat and vapor from printer air flow, then the operating temperature is maintained, but ink carrier vapor concentration fluctuates and condensation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow path is segmented into two separate paths: one path directs air with high ink carrier vapor concentration to the condenser for efficient condensation, while another path allows air with low vapor concentration to bypass the condenser. This segmentation ensures that the condenser operates at optimal efficiency by receiving concentrated vapor streams rather than diluted mixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary separation and concentration of ink carrier vapor by directing vapor-rich air flows to the condenser before condensation occurs. The controller pre-adjusts the air flow paths based on detected vapor concentration levels, ensuring that the condenser receives optimally concentrated vapor for maximum condensation efficiency.
2Temperature
If air is recirculated through the printer, then operating temperature is maintained, but outside air dilutes ink carrier vapor and reduces condensation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the air flow are treated differently based on their vapor concentration characteristics. The system identifies and directs vapor-rich local air flows to the condenser while allowing vapor-poor or already-cooled air to bypass the condenser and rejoin the recirculation loop, optimizing local condensation efficiency throughout the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that monitors ink carrier vapor concentration and dynamically adjusts air flow paths accordingly. Based on real-time concentration data, the controller directs appropriate air streams to the condenser and manages recirculation, ensuring optimal vapor concentration is maintained for efficient condensation while preventing harmful VOC emissions.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If fan speed is increased to move more air through the condenser, then heat removal improves, but vapor concentration decreases and condensation efficiency drops
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts air flow paths and condenser activation based on real-time ink carrier vapor concentration levels rather than operating at fixed fan speeds. The controller modulates the air flow to the condenser to maintain optimal vapor concentration, adapting the system operation to varying printing conditions and vapor generation rates.
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 enhances the efficiency of vapor condensation and recycling, reducing VOC emissions and maintaining optimal ink carrier vapor concentrations, thereby improving printer operation and compliance with emission regulations.
Implementation Method 1
The example condenser then cools the mixture, causing at least a portion of the ink carrier vapor within the mixture to condense into a liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for re-circulating a carrier in a printer is disclosed. The re-circulating system comprises a controller, a print head, a variable speed fan coupled to an air passageway and a condenser. The controller determines a liquid amount of carrier to be place on a page during a print operation. The controller adjusts the variable speed fan dependent on the amount of liquid carrier determined to be placed onto the page.