Channel Member Port Alignment for Liquid Injection Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid injection systems face challenges in efficiently coupling ink or liquid feeding tubes due to the orientation of ink introduction sections, which can lead to reduced operational efficiency and increased complexity.

Innovation Solution

A channel member design where the liquid emission port and liquid feeding port share the same opening direction, allowing for improved alignment and coupling efficiency, particularly when the liquid introduction section is oriented in the gravity direction, facilitating easier attachment and detachment of the channel member to the liquid injection head.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the ink introduction section is oriented in the gravity direction, then the liquid injection head can efficiently receive liquid, but the working space for coupling the ink feeding tube is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid reception efficiencyVSAvoidcoupling operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement by orienting the liquid feeding port in a direction opposite to the gravity direction (upward), while the liquid introduction section remains in the gravity direction (downward). This dimensional reorientation creates sufficient working space for coupling operations without compromising liquid reception efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by making the liquid feeding port open upward (opposite to gravity) rather than horizontally or downward. This inversion creates adequate working space for tube coupling while maintaining efficient liquid flow to the introduction section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the liquid feeding port is oriented horizontally, then the coupling operation is simplified, but the liquid flow path becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling operation simplicityVSAvoidliquid flow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a horizontal orientation to a vertical upward orientation for the liquid feeding port. This dimensional change allows the port to face upward, creating efficient liquid flow path while maintaining ease of coupling operations from below.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the liquid emission port and liquid feeding port have different opening directions, then the structural design is flexible, but the coupling operation becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural design flexibilityVSAvoidcoupling operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes both the liquid emission port and liquid feeding port open in the same upward direction, creating a unified opening orientation. This universalization of opening direction simplifies the coupling operation while maintaining structural design flexibility through proper positioning of ports on different faces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11110717B2Channel member, head unit, and head unit group

Publication Date: 2021.09.07 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A channel member includes a liquid emission port coupled to a liquid introduction section to emit liquid to the liquid introduction section, and a liquid feeding port that receives liquid from outside to feed the liquid to the liquid emission port. The liquid emission port and the liquid feeding port have the same opening direction.