White Ink Delivery System Circulation and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing technologies face challenges with color accuracy on non-white substrates due to the unsuitability of white inks, leading to the need for pre-application of white layers using alternative, more expensive methods to prevent nozzle clogging from dense white pigments like titanium dioxide.
Innovation Solution
A white ink delivery system with a circulation and application system that manages white ink circulation between print jobs, includes a drainage mechanism to prevent precipitation, and integrates with a color inkjet system to print both white and color layers on the same apparatus, reducing costs and maintaining color accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If white ink with dense pigments like titanium dioxide is used in inkjet printing, then white layer can be applied directly to non-white substrates, but the nozzles become clogged due to precipitation of the heavy pigment
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system periodically moves white ink through the delivery system between print jobs to prevent pigment precipitation and nozzle clogging. The system implements periodic circulation cycles that keep the dense titanium dioxide pigment in suspension, addressing the reliability issue while maintaining the ability to print white layers on non-white substrates
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation system maintains continuous movement of white ink through the delivery system during idle periods between print jobs. This continuous circulation prevents the pigment from settling and precipitating, ensuring the nozzles remain clear and functional while preserving the versatility to print on various substrate colors
2Reliability
If alternative printing methods are used to apply white layer before inkjet printing, then nozzle clogging is avoided, but printing costs increase and process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the white ink delivery system with the color inkjet printing system into a single integrated apparatus. The circulation system is merged with the existing inkjet delivery infrastructure, allowing both white and color printing to be performed by one machine, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for separate alternative printing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The inkjet printing system is made universal by enabling it to handle both white ink with dense pigments and color inks. The circulation system provides multi-functionality by serving both to deliver white ink during printing and to prevent precipitation during idle periods, allowing a single system to perform multiple functions that previously required separate devices
3Measurement precision
If alternative printing methods are used to apply white layer, then color accuracy can be maintained, but printing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The white ink delivery system is merged with the color inkjet system, allowing both functions to be performed by a single apparatus. This integration eliminates the need for costly alternative printing methods while maintaining the ability to achieve accurate color reproduction through proper white layer application
4Reliability
If white ink is stored in the delivery system for extended periods between print jobs, then pigment precipitation and nozzle clogging occur, but frequent circulation increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system operates periodically rather than continuously, activating during idle periods between print jobs to prevent pigment precipitation. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption compared to continuous circulation while still maintaining reliability by keeping the pigment in suspension during storage periods
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the printing schedule, activating when needed to prevent precipitation and remaining inactive during active printing or when not required. This dynamic operation optimizes energy usage while maintaining the reliability needed to prevent nozzle clogging
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective printing of white and color layers on non-white substrates using inkjet technology, reducing the need for alternative printing methods and minimizing nozzle clogging, thereby enhancing color accuracy and reducing printing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation system for circulating the white ink between successive print jobs performed by the white ink inkjet delivery system
Implementation Method 2
the higher density pigment typically precipitates and clogs the nozzles of inkjet systems
Data Source
AI summary
A method for white ink delivery includes circulating white ink through a white ink delivery system between successive print jobs; and in response to a time interval between two of the successive print jobs being greater than a threshold time interval, draining the white ink from the white ink delivery system.