Tube Pump Reverse Rotation Prevents Tube Sticking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording devices face issues with tube pump blockages due to compressed inner tube walls sticking together, leading to failure in ink supply or suction, which can be costly and complex to prevent.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible tube member with a rotational press member and a controller that rotates the press member in reverse directions to prevent sticking and ensure smooth ink flow, reducing the need for additional costly components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tube pump is left for a long time with the flow path blocked, then the compressed portions of the inner wall of the tube may stick together, but this causes failure in ink supply or suction
Solution Approach 1:
The controller causes the rotational press member to rotate in reverse before the main operation. This preliminary reverse rotation prevents the inner wall portions from sticking together by maintaining movement and preventing static compression, thereby avoiding the need for waiting time during actual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube pump operates with periodic reverse rotations interspersed between forward rotations. This periodic reversal prevents continuous compression of the tube's inner wall at the same location, preventing sticking while maintaining continuous ink supply capability.
2Reliability
If a sensor and stepping motor are used to prevent the pump from stopping at the compressed area, then pump failure can be prevented, but this increases cost and size
Solution Approach 1:
The existing rotational press member is made to serve dual purposes: both forward rotation for ink supply and reverse rotation for preventing sticking. The system uses its own structural components rather than adding external sensors or stepping motors to achieve the reliability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational press member and controller are designed to perform multiple functions: the forward rotation supplies ink, while the reverse rotation prevents sticking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
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
Prevents tube pump failure by resolving sticking issues without increasing the device's complexity or cost, ensuring continuous ink supply and suction operations.
Implementation Method 1
The rotational press member is disposed in the tube pump and, while rotating in a first rotation direction, sequentially compresses the flexible tube member to supply the recording liquid to the liquid-droplet ejection head
Implementation Method 2
if the tube pump is left for a long time with the flow path of the tube blocked, compressed portions of the inner wall of the tube may stick together
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording device includes a liquid-droplet ejection head having nozzles for ejecting droplets of a liquid, a flexible tube member connected to the head, a tube pump disposed on the tube member to supply the liquid to the head through the tube member, a rotational press member disposed in the pump and, while rotating in a first direction, sequentially compressing the tube member to supply the liquid to the head, and a controller communicatively connected to the pump and causes the press member to rotate in the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. At least one portion of the tube member is compressed with the press member while the pump is stopped. The controller, prior to rotation of the press member in the first or second direction, causes the press member to rotate in reverse with respect to the first or second direction.