Diaphragm Segmentation for Ink Suction Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ink supply mechanisms in ink jet printers face issues with diaphragm deformation, leading to reduced ink suction capacity and potential piston locking due to unintended diaphragm shape changes under pressure, which affects the reliability and efficiency of ink replenishment.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supply mechanism with a diaphragm that includes a flexible first portion and a shape-retaining second portion, supported by a center region, which reduces the likelihood of deformation and prevents the diaphragm from expanding radially outward, thereby maintaining intended shape and preventing piston lowering and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the diaphragm is made flexible to allow volume change, then the ink suction function is improved, but the diaphragm deforms into unintended shapes under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm is divided into two distinct portions: a flexible first portion that enables volume change for ink suction, and a rigid second portion that maintains shape stability under pressure. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and shape stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the diaphragm are given different mechanical properties: the first portion is made flexible to allow deformation for volume change, while the second portion is made rigid to retain its shape. This local differentiation of material properties enables the diaphragm to simultaneously achieve both ink suction capability and shape stability under pressure.
2Stress or pressure
If the diaphragm expands upward under pressure, then the piston is lowered, but the ink suction amount is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the diaphragm into flexible and rigid portions, the patent prevents the entire diaphragm from expanding upward under pressure. The rigid second portion acts as a structural support that limits excessive upward movement, thereby preventing piston lowering and maintaining adequate ink suction capacity while still allowing pressure transmission through the flexible first portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid second portion of the diaphragm serves as a pre-established structural element that counteracts the upward expansion force before it can cause significant piston lowering. This preliminary structural support prevents the harmful effect of reduced ink suction capacity while allowing necessary pressure transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the diaphragm radially expands outward, then the diaphragm forms unintended bent shapes, but the diaphragm may be caught between the piston and cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the diaphragm into flexible and rigid portions prevents excessive radial expansion. The rigid second portion maintains the diaphragm's structural integrity and prevents it from forming bent shapes that could be caught between the piston and cylinder, while the flexible first portion still allows necessary volume changes for ink suction.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid second portion of the diaphragm acts as a preventive structural element that stops excessive radial expansion before it can cause the diaphragm to bend and become caught. This preliminary structural support cushioning prevents the harmful effect of piston locking while maintaining the necessary flexibility for ink suction.
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 enhances the stability and reliability of ink replenishment by maintaining the diaphragm's shape under pressure, reducing the risk of reduced ink suction and piston locking, ensuring consistent ink supply to the ejection head.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that biases the diaphragm in a first direction in which the volume of the liquid container chamber is decreased
Implementation Method 2
the volume of the sub-tank is increased, thereby causing a negative pressure state. Ink is then suctioned into the sub-tank
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid supply mechanism includes a sub-tank that supplies liquid to a liquid ejection head and a liquid replenishing mechanism that suctions liquid from a main tank into the sub-tank. The liquid replenishing mechanism has a diaphragm, a biasing member, and a drive member. The diaphragm has a movable portion and a mounting portion and closes one end of a liquid container chamber provided on the sub-tank. The biasing member biases the diaphragm in a first direction in which a volume of the liquid container chamber is decreased. The drive member pulls the diaphragm in a second direction in which the volume of the liquid container chamber is increased. The movable portion of the diaphragm can move in the first direction and the second direction. The movable portion has a first portion, which is flexible, and a second portion that retains its shape when the liquid container chamber is pressurized.