Liquid Ejection Apparatus with Chamber-Selective Air-Bubble Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses face issues with uneven distribution of air bubbles in multiple storage chambers, leading to wasteful consumption of liquid when air bubbles are discharged from one chamber while liquid is discharged from others.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with a configuration that includes a first and second storage chamber, each with a discharge flow path, a carriage for reciprocation, a coupling portion, and a switching member to control the opening and closing of discharge flow paths, allowing selective discharge of air bubbles from each chamber during carriage movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple storage chambers are sucked simultaneously to discharge air bubbles, then air bubbles can be removed from all chambers, but liquid is wastefully consumed from chambers that do not contain air bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air bubble discharge process into separate operations for each storage chamber. The control unit selectively opens the first discharge flow path or the second discharge flow path based on which chamber contains air bubbles, rather than simultaneously discharging from both chambers. This segmentation prevents liquid waste from chambers without air bubbles while ensuring reliable air bubble removal from the affected chamber.
2Device complexity
If a single discharge flow path is used for multiple storage chambers, then the device structure is simplified, but air bubbles cannot be selectively discharged from specific chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate discharge flow paths (first discharge flow path and second discharge flow path) for different storage chambers. This segmentation allows the system to selectively discharge air bubbles from specific chambers based on their individual needs, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of a single negative pressure generating section.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a switching mechanism controlled by the control unit that dynamically connects or disconnects the first or second discharge flow path to the negative pressure generating section. This dynamic switching capability enables selective air bubble discharge from different storage chambers without requiring permanently separate discharge systems for each chamber, thus balancing structural simplicity with operational versatility.
3Reliability
If air bubbles are discharged from one storage chamber, then air bubbles are removed from that chamber, but liquid may be discharged from other storage chambers due to pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or isolates the discharge operation for each storage chamber into separate flow paths. When air bubbles are detected in one chamber, only that chamber's discharge flow path is connected to the negative pressure generating section, while other flow paths remain disconnected. This extraction prevents pressure changes in one chamber from affecting other chambers, thereby preventing unwanted liquid discharge while maintaining effective air bubble removal.
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 ensures efficient and controlled discharge of air bubbles from both storage chambers, reducing liquid wastage and maintaining consistent operation of the liquid ejection process.
Implementation Method 1
a negative pressure generating section configured to apply a negative pressure to the first discharge flow path and the second discharge flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejection head, a liquid storage portion having a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber, a first discharge flow path communicating with an upper portion of the first storage chamber, a second discharge flow path communicating with an upper portion of the second storage chamber, a carriage, a coupling portion configured to be coupled to and separated from a coupled portion, a negative pressure generating section, a first opening/closing portion, a second opening/closing portion, a switching member configured to switch between a first state and a second state, the first opening/closing portion can be opened and closed in conjunction with a movement of the carriage when the switching member is in the first state, and the second opening/closing portion can be opened and closed in conjunction with the movement of the carriage when the switching member is in the second state.