Rigid Liquid Ink Container with Self-Alignment and Gas Evacuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet printing systems face challenges with large format printing due to the limited capacity of existing ink reservoirs and high overhead costs associated with frequent replacements, as well as the inefficiency and expense of ink usage in large format applications.
Innovation Solution
A large, substantially rigid liquid ink container and an ink delivery system that allows for self-alignment and automated ink flow using gravity and forced gas evacuation, eliminating the need for secondary packaging and reducing waste by facilitating efficient ink delivery to large format printing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If collapsible containers are used to force ink out and reduce waste, then ink waste is reduced, but the containers require secondary packaging to protect integrity during shipping and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The ink container is pre-filled and sealed in a rigid structure that maintains its integrity during shipping. The container is designed to be opened and connected to the printing system only when needed, eliminating the need for secondary protective packaging while preventing ink waste through its collapsible design that forces complete ink evacuation.
2Ease of manufacture
If individually packaged replacement reservoirs are used, then ink delivery is simple, but overhead costs associated with manufacturing, packaging and shipping are burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ink containers are combined into a single rigid packaging unit that can be shipped and stored efficiently. The packaging contains multiple pre-filled collapsible containers along with the necessary connection components, reducing the number of separate shipping events and associated overhead costs while maintaining ease of replacement.
3Volume of moving object
If small desktop inkjet printers use small ink reservoirs, then the printers are compact and suitable for consumer use, but the reservoirs contain far less ink than required for large format printing
Solution Approach 1:
The large ink supply is divided into multiple smaller collapsible containers within a single rigid packaging unit. Each container can be individually connected to the printing system, allowing the system to access large total ink volume through multiple smaller units that are easier to handle and replace than a single large reservoir.
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 provides a cost-effective and efficient method for large format printing by enabling the use of larger ink volumes without additional packaging, reducing the frequency of replacements, and minimizing ink waste through automated and user-friendly ink delivery.
Implementation Method 1
an ink delivery system is used to accept the large liquid ink container and designed to support the container at an angle, such that liquid ink flows from the container due to the force of gravity
Implementation Method 2
The piezoelectric crystal generates a pulse in the ink so that the ink expels through the nozzle as a droplet
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ink container having mating features for self alignment with an ink delivery station. The ink delivery station includes a receiver with an actuated puncture ring. The liquid ink container includes a cap that is punctured by the ring to allow fluid flow from the container. The receiver and container also include means for introducing pressurized gas into the container to facilitate evacuation of liquid ink.