Printing Module Ink Leakage Prevention via Inverted Container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing devices for value and security documents face operational security challenges, particularly with ink leakage due to gravitational flow when the power supply fails, damaging the carrier body and soiling other parts.

Innovation Solution

A printing module design where the container for printing fluid is positioned in front of the print head in the nozzle outlet direction, with a predetermined distance to prevent ink leakage by allowing it to flow into the container instead of escaping, utilizing a pressure generation system to manage fluid flow and pressure differences between containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the container is arranged above the print head in the gravitational direction, then the printing fluid can be supplied to the print head, but the printing fluid may leak out of the nozzles due to gravitational force during power failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational securityVSAvoidink leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container is inverted and positioned below the print head outlet in the nozzle outlet direction. This inversion changes the gravitational flow direction from causing leakage to preventing it, as any leaked printing fluid naturally flows into the container rather than onto the carrier body or other components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The gravitational force that would normally cause harmful leakage is converted into a beneficial effect. The container positioned in the nozzle outlet direction captures any escaped printing fluid through gravitational attraction, transforming the potential harm into a protective mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the container is arranged in front of the print head in the nozzle outlet direction, then ink leakage is prevented, but the container requires additional space in the printing device structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink leakage preventionVSAvoidstructural arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is integrated into the printing device structure as a unified component rather than a separate auxiliary device. The container serves dual purposes: storing printing fluid and capturing leaked fluid, while being structurally combined with the print head assembly to minimize overall device footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design enhances operational security by preventing ink leakage and ensuring reliable printing operations even during power failures, reducing the risk of damage to the carrier body and maintaining device functionality.

Implementation Method 1

If the nozzle outlet direction corresponds to the gravitational direction, then the container is arranged below the print head, in particular the print head outlet. In the event of a sudden power failure or improper operation, printing fluid may leak into the reservoir, particularly from the printhead and piping, with the corresponding flow of printing fluid from the printhead and piping due to hydrostatic pressure generated by the height difference between the printhead and the reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

with the corresponding flow of printing fluid from the printhead and piping due to hydrostatic pressure generated by the height difference between the printhead and the reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrostatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3113955B1Printing module, method for printing, and printing device

Publication Date: 2019.05.22 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a printing module and to a method for printing on a carrier body (9), in particular a carrier body (9) of a valuable document and/or security document, wherein the printing module (11) comprises at least one printing head (10) and at least a first container (15), wherein the at least one printing head (10) has a printing-head inlet (17) and at least one nozzle (23), wherein the printing head (10) has a printing-head outlet (18) and is connected to the first container (15) by means of the printing-head outlet (18), wherein at least part of the first container (15) is arranged in front of the at least one printing-head outlet (18) in a nozzle outlet direction (z). The invention further relates to a printing device (1).