Detachable Filter Unit for Liquid Ejecting Device Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow path units in liquid ejecting devices require the entire unit to be replaced when the filter deteriorates, making maintenance cumbersome and prone to liquid leaks during filter exchange.
Innovation Solution
A detachable filter unit with a holding member and an elastic member to seal the flow path, allowing for easy filter replacement without disassembling the entire flow path unit, and a stopper to prevent unexpected removal of the filter unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire flow path unit is replaced to exchange a deteriorated filter, then the filter can be renewed, but the complexity of the replacement process increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path unit is divided into separate components: the flow path member and the filter unit. The filter unit can be detached and replaced independently without replacing the entire flow path unit, making maintenance easier while ensuring filter reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is extracted as a separate replaceable component (filter unit) from the flow path member. This allows the filter to be removed and replaced independently, improving ease of operation while maintaining the reliability of the overall system.
2Reliability
If the entire flow path unit is replaced to exchange a filter, then a new filter is installed, but the time required for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flow path unit into a flow path member and a separate filter unit, the filter can be replaced quickly without disassembling the entire flow path unit, significantly reducing maintenance time while ensuring filter performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is pre-assembled as a complete replaceable module with the filter already installed. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid replacement during maintenance without requiring on-site assembly, reducing maintenance time while ensuring proper filter installation.
3Ease of operation
If the filter unit is made detachable for easy replacement, then ease of operation improves, but the risk of liquid leaks during exchange increases
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member is introduced as an intermediary component between the filter unit and the flow path member. This seal member ensures liquid-tight sealing during detachment and attachment operations, allowing easy replacement while preventing liquid leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is pre-installed on either the filter unit or the flow path member before assembly. This beforehand preparation ensures that sealing is already in place before liquid flow begins, preventing leaks during the replacement process while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a flow path unit through which liquid to be supplied to a head for ejecting the liquid flows. The flow path unit includes a flow path member having a flow path, and a filter unit configured to be detachably attached to the flow path member, the flow path member has an opening that communicates with the flow path and to which the filter unit is configured to be mounted, and the filter unit includes a filter configured to filter liquid flowing through the flow path, and a holding member configured to hold the filter.