Elastically Deformable Diaphragm Pump Valves for Ink Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diaphragm pumps used in inkjet printers face challenges in preventing backflow of ink, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential clogging issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates elastically deformable valves and valve seats with curved surfaces to ensure intimate contact, preventing gaps and thus effectively blocking backflow through the first and second flow passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a plate-shaped closing object is used for the valve, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but intimate contact with the valve seat cannot be reliably achieved when backflow is likely
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed as an elastically deformable member that can flexibly conform to the curved surface of the valve seat. This flexibility allows the valve to make intimate contact with the valve seat under pressure, reliably preventing backflow while maintaining ease of manufacture through a single-piece elastic component design
2Ease of manufacture
If a flat valve seat surface is used, then manufacturing is easier, but gaps form between the valve and valve seat preventing effective backflow prevention
Solution Approach 1:
The valve seat is designed with a curved surface instead of a flat surface. This curvature allows the elastically deformable valve to conform closely to the seat surface when pressed against it, eliminating gaps and preventing backflow. The curved geometry works synergistically with the elastic properties of the valve material to achieve reliable sealing
3Stability of the object's composition
If the valve is made rigid for structural stability, then positioning is easier, but elastic deformation along the curved valve seat surface cannot occur
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is constructed as an elastically deformable member with sufficient flexibility to conform to the curved valve seat surface while maintaining adequate structural stability. The elastic material properties and geometric design provide the necessary balance between flexibility for sealing and stability for positioning
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 significantly reduces backflow, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of ink supply systems in inkjet printers by ensuring consistent ink flow and minimizing clogging risks.
Implementation Method 1
the elastically deformable inflow valve is elastically deformed along the curved surface of the inflow valve seat
Data Source
AI summary
A diaphragm pump includes an inflow chamber and an outflow chamber. The inflow chamber is provided with an inflow valve seat. An inflow valve that prevents backflow of a liquid is disposed against the inflow valve seat. The outflow chamber is provided with an outflow valve seat. An outflow valve that prevents backflow of a liquid is disposed against the outflow valve seat. The diaphragm pump also includes an inflow-valve presser that presses the inflow valve against the inflow valve seat, and an outflow-valve presser that presses the outflow valve against the outflow valve seat. Each of the inflow valve and the outflow valve is defined by an elastically deformable member. Each of the inflow valve seat and the outflow valve seat includes a surface at least a portion of which is a curved surface.