Convex Flexible Damper for Liquid Ejecting Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting devices face challenges in absorbing dynamic pressure generated during carriage movement, leading to size constraints and complex manufacturing processes due to the need for a wide damper device to effectively absorb pressure fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting device with a damper unit featuring a convex-shaped flexible member that forms an ink storage unit, allowing for efficient absorption of dynamic pressure while minimizing the device's size and simplifying manufacturing through a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the area of the flexible film is narrowed to reduce the size of the damper device, then the device size is reduced, but the dynamic pressure of the liquid cannot be sufficiently absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member is configured in a convex shape extending in the sub-scanning direction, transforming a two-dimensional flat film into a three-dimensional convex structure. This dimensional change allows the flexible member to absorb dynamic pressure effectively while occupying less space in the main scanning direction, thus reducing the overall device size without compromising absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member is formed with a convex curved shape instead of a flat configuration. This curvature enables the flexible member to expand and contract more efficiently in response to dynamic pressure fluctuations, improving absorption performance while maintaining a compact footprint
2Reliability
If a flexible film with a wide area is stored in a small-sized component, then the dynamic pressure can be sufficiently absorbed, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By configuring the flexible member in a convex shape that extends in the sub-scanning direction, the patent achieves effective dynamic pressure absorption without requiring a wide-area flat film. This eliminates the need for complex folding or rolling mechanisms, simplifying both the structure and manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The convex-shaped flexible member integrates the absorption function directly into the damper device body, eliminating the need for separate wide-area film components and complex assembly structures. The flexible member itself forms the liquid storage unit, merging multiple functions into a single integrated component
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
The compact damper unit effectively absorbs dynamic pressure fluctuations, enabling size reduction of the liquid ejecting device while maintaining performance and ease of manufacturing, suitable for use in inkjet printers.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid storage unit has a part formed of a convex shaped flexible member
Implementation Method 2
a dynamic pressure is generated in the liquid in the tube by an inertia force or the like caused by movement of the carriage
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a liquid ejecting device including a damper device which can sufficiently absorb dynamic pressure of a liquid while miniaturization of a device body is achieved and which can be easily manufactured. For that purpose, a part of an ink storage unit in the damper device is formed by a flexible member having a convex shape.