Viscosity Measurement Device Segmented Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing viscosity measurement devices for printing liquids face challenges in accurately measuring viscosity while maintaining pump efficiency and ease of washing, as they struggle to balance the cross-sectional area of the ink flow path, leading to measurement errors and reduced pumping efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A viscosity measurement device with a passage part having distinct cross-sectional areas in different sections, where the second passage portion has a smaller area than the first, allowing for accurate measurement by a falling measurement tool, and a sensor measures the fall time in the second passage portion, while ensuring the pump efficiency and ease of washing by adjusting the flow path areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the cross-sectional area of the ink flow path in the moving area of the measurement tool is suppressed to narrow the gap between the inner wall of the ink supply path and the measurement tool, then the fall time of the measurement tool is secured and measurement accuracy is improved, but the measurement tool blocks the flow of pumped ink and pumping efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply path is divided into three distinct sections with different cross-sectional areas: a first section with a larger area for efficient pumping, a second section with a smaller area for accurate viscosity measurement, and a third section with a larger area for easy washing. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and pumping efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the ink supply path are given different local qualities in terms of cross-sectional area. The measurement section has a specifically designed smaller cross-sectional area to ensure the measurement tool can be properly pushed up and fall time can be accurately measured, while other sections maintain larger areas for efficient operation and maintenance.
2Productivity
If the cross-sectional area of the ink flow path in the moving area of the measurement tool is made wide to increase flow velocity, then pumping efficiency is improved, but the measurement tool cannot be pushed up reliably and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply path is segmented into sections with different cross-sectional areas, allowing the measurement section to have a smaller area specifically designed for pushing up the measurement tool, while other sections can have larger areas for efficient pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement section is given a specific local quality with a smaller cross-sectional area to ensure reliable pushing up of the measurement tool, while maintaining overall system efficiency through larger areas in other sections.
3Measurement precision
If the cross-sectional area of the ink flow path is uniformly suppressed to improve measurement accuracy, then viscosity measurement is enhanced, but the flow of washing water is blocked and washing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply path is segmented into sections with different cross-sectional areas, including a third section with a larger area that facilitates easy washing by allowing sufficient washing water flow, while the measurement section maintains a smaller area for accurate measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections are given different local qualities regarding cross-sectional area, with the washing-facilitated section having a larger area to allow adequate washing water flow, while the measurement section has a smaller area optimized for measurement accuracy.
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 enhances the accuracy of viscosity measurement, suppresses pump efficiency decrease, and facilitates easy washing by optimizing the flow path areas, ensuring reliable operation and improved durability of the measurement device.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement tool which, in a supply path of a printing liquid in which a pump for pumping the printing liquid is interposed, is pushed up by the printing liquid when supply of the printing liquid is performed, and falls in the printing liquid when the supply of the printing liquid is stopped
Data Source
AI summary
A viscosity measurement device includes a measurement tool having a pump for feeding a printing liquid by pressure. The viscosity measurement device includes a passage part having a first passage part in which a flow path cross-sectional area for the printing liquid is set at a first area, and a second passage part in which a flow path cross-sectional area for the printing liquid is set at a second area smaller than the first area and which is arranged on an upstream side in a supply direction of the printing liquid with respect to the first passage part, the passage part being interposed in the supply path and arranged upward toward a downstream side in the supply direction of the printing liquid; and a sensor attached to the second passage part and measuring the fall time of the measurement tool in a prescribed vertical region in the second passage part.