Removable Ink Circuit Assembly for CIJ Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous inkjet printers (CIJ) face high costs due to complex ink circuit architectures with numerous hydraulic components, requiring highly qualified operators and complex maintenance sequencing, which increases operational complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified ink circuit design featuring a removable assembly with a plate having fluid inlets and outlets, incorporating diaphragm pumps and a filter, with fluid connection means and mounting/dismounting mechanisms, reducing the number of components and simplifying interconnections while maintaining performance and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex ink circuit architecture with numerous hydraulic components is used, then the printer can maintain reliable ink supply and recovery functions, but the device complexity and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The ink circuit is divided into two separable parts: a fixed part containing the controller and a removable assembly containing the pumps and filter. This segmentation allows the complex pumping functions to be isolated in a replaceable module, reducing the complexity of the permanent installation while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable assembly is extracted from the traditional integrated ink circuit design. By taking out the pumps and filter into a separate removable unit, the patent eliminates the need for complex permanent hydraulic connections and reduces the number of fixed components, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If numerous hydraulic components are used in the ink circuit, then adequate ink supply and recovery functions are achieved, but maintenance complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ink circuit is divided into two separable parts: a fixed part containing the controller and a removable assembly containing the pumps and filter. This segmentation allows the complex pumping functions to be isolated in a replaceable module, reducing the complexity of the permanent installation while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable assembly with limited-life components (pumps and filter) is designed to be periodically replaced rather than maintained. This approach simplifies maintenance by allowing operators to simply swap the entire assembly when components wear out, eliminating complex repair procedures and reducing operational costs.
3Reliability
If complex maintenance sequencing is required, then reliable ink circuit operation is maintained, but operational complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The removable assembly with limited-life components (pumps and filter) is designed to be periodically replaced rather than maintained. This approach simplifies maintenance by allowing operators to simply swap the entire assembly when components wear out, eliminating complex repair procedures and reducing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic monitoring functions that track the operation of the removable assembly and prompt users for maintenance when needed. This self-service approach eliminates complex maintenance sequencing by providing simple, automated guidance to operators, ensuring reliable operation without requiring specialized knowledge.
4Reliability
If highly qualified operators are required, then proper operation and maintenance of the ink circuit is ensured, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes automatic monitoring functions that track the operation of the removable assembly and prompt users for maintenance when needed. This self-service approach eliminates complex maintenance sequencing by providing simple, automated guidance to operators, ensuring reliable operation without requiring specialized knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable assembly with limited-life components (pumps and filter) is designed to be periodically replaced rather than maintained. This approach simplifies maintenance by allowing operators to simply swap the entire assembly when components wear out, eliminating complex repair procedures and reducing operational costs.
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 solution reduces the number of hydraulic components, simplifies maintenance, and allows for easier operation by untrained personnel, minimizing spillage risks and operational costs while maintaining performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an ink transfer pump, called a diaphragm pump, to transfer printing ink from an ink cartridge to the main reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a solvent transfer pump to transfer a solvent from a solvent cartridge to the main reservoir
Implementation Method 3
a pressure pump to pressurize the ink and direct it towards the print head
Implementation Method 4
a recovery pump to recover fluid from the print head and to return it towards the main reservoir
Implementation Method 5
a filter
Data Source
AI summary
A removable single-block assembly for an ink circuit of a continuous inkjet printer, including a plate having a plurality of fluid inlets and a plurality of fluid outlets, this assembly further including a first pump called a pressure pump, a second pump called a recovery pump, and a filter, fluid connection means to allow fluids to flow: between said fluid inlets, the first or second pumps, and said fluid outlets, and means for mounting and dismounting the assembly on the ink circuit.