Printing Device Dual Flow Path Ink Filter Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses require termination of the printing process to replace filters when they become clogged, leading to decreased printing efficiency due to the accumulation of foreign materials.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus is designed with a branching ink flow path system that allows switching from a clogged first flow path to a second flow path, enabling continuous printing and facilitating filter replacement without stopping the process, with pressure detection for precise filter replacement timing and a movable unit for efficient collection and replacement of filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single filter is used in the ink flow path, then the device complexity is low, but the printing efficiency decreases when the filter becomes clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The ink flow path is divided into a first flow path with a first filter and a second flow path with a second filter. The switching unit can selectively switch between these two flow paths, allowing continuous printing by switching to the other flow path when one filter becomes clogged, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple device structure and ensuring high printing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state parameter by switching between two distinct flow paths based on filter clogging status. When the first filter is clogged, the switching unit changes the flow path configuration to use the second flow path, maintaining printing efficiency without requiring complex real-time filter cleaning mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the filter is replaced during printing, then the printing efficiency is maintained, but the ease of operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares a second flow path with a second filter in advance as a backup. When the first filter becomes clogged, the switching unit can immediately switch to the pre-prepared second flow path without requiring immediate filter replacement, maintaining printing efficiency while simplifying the operational complexity by deferring the replacement task to a convenient time.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure detection is implemented for filter replacement timing, then the manufacturing precision of filter replacement timing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure detection units are installed in the ink flow path to continuously monitor pressure changes. When the pressure difference across a filter exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system provides feedback indicating that the filter is clogged and needs replacement or flow path switching, enabling precise timing for filter maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual inspection methods with automated pressure detection and switching mechanisms. The pressure detection units and switching unit work together to automatically identify when filter replacement is needed and execute the switching operation, improving timing precision while the automated nature actually reduces operational complexity compared to manual monitoring.
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 prevents the decrease in print efficiency by allowing uninterrupted printing even when filters become clogged, enabling efficient filter replacement during operation and maintaining high-quality printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
The filter serves to catch and remove ink precipitates, dusts, and other foreign materials present in the ink flowing down the supply flow path
Implementation Method 2
The present invention allows detection of the pressure upstream of the first filter and the second filter as well as the pressure downstream of the first filter and the second filter
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a printing apparatus and a printing method that can prevent decrease in the print efficiency. A printing apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store ink; a discharge unit to which the ink is supplied from the storage unit, the discharge unit being configured to discharge the ink for printing; and an ink flow path configured to couple the storage unit to the discharge unit and allow the ink to flow down from the storage unit to the discharge unit, wherein the ink flow path includes a first flow path, a first filter provided in the first flow path and configured to collect a foreign material in the ink passing through the first flow path, a second flow path independent of the first flow path, and a second filter configured to collect a foreign material in the ink passing through the second flow path, wherein the printing apparatus is configured to switch the flow path of the ink between the first flow path and the second flow path based on a predetermined condition.