Inkjet Printer Tube Pump Roller Positioning to Reduce Collision Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing apparatuses using tube pumps experience loud collision noises during suctioning operations due to tube deformation when the system is idle for extended periods, as rollers pass through deformed areas upon restarting, leading to increased noise levels.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a cap, two flexible tubes, and rollers with a driving unit and position fixing mechanism to manage roller positions, ensuring that during operation, the rollers apply pressure to specific areas of the tubes, and upon stopping, their positions shift to avoid simultaneous passage through deformed tube sections, thereby reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tube pump is stopped for a long time, then the tube is pressed by the roller for a long time causing deformation, but when the apparatus restarts, collision noise occurs as rollers pass through deformed portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the roller positions adjustable between operation and stopped states. The position fixing unit dynamically changes roller positions based on the operating state, preventing simultaneous passage through deformed portions when restarted after long stops, thereby reducing collision noise while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of rollers between different operating states. By fixing rollers at different positions when the driving unit is stopped versus when it is operating, the system prevents multiple rollers from simultaneously encountering deformed tube portions, reducing collision noise without compromising pump reliability
2Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple rollers simultaneously pass through deformed portions of the tube, then the collision noise volume increases, but changing roller positions requires a position fixing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The position fixing unit provides dynamic position adjustment for rollers based on operating state. This dynamic mechanism prevents multiple rollers from simultaneously passing through deformed portions, reducing collision noise volume while maintaining manageable device complexity through state-based position control
3Ease of operation
If the roller is detached from the tube during suctioning operation, then the elasticity of the tube repels the roller, but the roller may come into contact with another tube causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The position fixing unit acts as an intermediary that controls roller positions during detachment. By fixing rollers at appropriate positions, it prevents detached rollers from contacting other tubes, thereby eliminating noise during detachment while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes roller position parameters between operation and stopped states to prevent noise during detachment. By controlling where rollers are positioned when detached, the system prevents unwanted contact with other tubes while maintaining operational ease
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 configuration effectively reduces the collision noise between rollers and tubes during suctioning operations by managing roller positions and tube deformation, resulting in a quieter and more efficient printing process.
Implementation Method 1
a tube of the tube pump is in a state of being pressed by a roller for a long time, and therefore the part pressed by the roller may be deformed
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an inkjet printing apparatus that is capable of reducing a collision noise made by a roller and a tube during a suctioning operation, the position of the roller relative to the tube is changed between the suctioning operation and a stopped time.