Variable Speed Circulation Pump Ink Sedimentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing techniques for preventing ink sedimentation in liquid discharge apparatuses, such as printing machines, often require high flow velocities to eliminate sedimentation quickly, which increases the load on the circulation pump, leading to reduced pump life and higher power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharge apparatus with a discharging head containing a nozzle, a circulation pump for supplying ink to the nozzle, and a control unit that adjusts the driving conditions of the circulation pump to vary the flow velocity of the ink during the circulation period, thereby balancing sedimentation elimination with pump load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the flow velocity of ink is increased to eliminate sedimentation in a short circulation time, then the sedimentation elimination speed is improved, but the load on the circulation pump increases, resulting in reduced pump life and increased power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecirculation timeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation pump operates with variable flow velocity rather than constant high speed. The pump dynamically adjusts its operation: operating at high flow velocity during initial circulation to eliminate sedimentation, then switching to low flow velocity for maintenance circulation. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction by achieving fast sedimentation elimination only when necessary, while reducing power consumption during extended operation periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic circulation with two distinct phases: an initial high-velocity phase for sedimentation elimination, followed by a low-velocity maintenance phase. This periodic action pattern allows the system to achieve the benefit of rapid sedimentation removal while minimizing energy consumption during the longer maintenance period, thus resolving the time-power consumption contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of time

If the flow velocity of ink is increased to eliminate sedimentation in a short circulation time, then the sedimentation elimination speed is improved, but the life of the circulation pump decreases due to increased load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecirculation timeVSAvoidpump life
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation pump uses dynamic variable-speed operation instead of sustained high-speed operation. High flow velocity is applied only during the initial sedimentation elimination phase, then the pump switches to low flow velocity for maintenance circulation. This dynamic approach eliminates sedimentation quickly when needed while significantly reducing mechanical stress and wear on the pump during extended operation, thereby extending pump life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic circulation with alternating high-velocity and low-velocity phases. The initial high-velocity phase rapidly eliminates sedimentation, while the subsequent low-velocity maintenance phase minimizes pump wear. This periodic action pattern achieves fast sedimentation elimination while protecting pump longevity through reduced operational stress during extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If circulation of ink is stopped for a long time, then the operation simplicity is improved, but sedimentation progresses, requiring long circulation time to eliminate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcirculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation pump operates continuously at low flow velocity during maintenance periods rather than stopping completely. This continuous low-velocity operation prevents sedimentation formation while maintaining operational simplicity. The useful action of circulation continues uninterrupted, eliminating the need for long re-circulation periods after stoppage while keeping the system easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic circulation patterns where the pump alternates between high-velocity sedimentation elimination phases and low-velocity maintenance phases. This periodic operation prevents complete sedimentation buildup during maintenance periods while avoiding the complexity of continuous high-speed operation, thus maintaining ease of operation while minimizing circulation time requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach allows for the effective elimination of ink sedimentation in a relatively short time while minimizing the load on the circulation pump, thus extending its life and reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a circulation pump provided in the discharge head and configured to supply the liquid to the nozzle, the pump being configured to circulate the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS20250026130A1Liquid discharge apparatus, control method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.01.23 CANON KK
  • US20250026130A1 patent drawing
  • US20250026130A1 patent drawing
  • US20250026130A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A liquid discharge apparatus includes a discharging head including a nozzle configured to discharge a liquid; a circulation pump provided in the discharge head and configured to supply the liquid to the nozzle, the pump being configured to circulate the liquid; and a control unit configured to control driving of the circulation pump. The control unit is configured to switch a driving condition of the circulation pump to change a flow velocity of the liquid during a circulation period of the liquid.