Fluid Transport Device With Eccentric Cam Flow Selector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transport devices for inkjet printers require multiple drive sources to open and close nozzles, leading to increased component count, size, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transport device utilizing a single drive source with a pump that rotates around a shaft center, featuring a squeezing member with a roller for fluid transport, a flow passage selector with an eccentric cam for opening/closing internal passages, and a one-way clutch to regulate rotation, allowing fluid transport and passage control with a single motor in both directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple drive sources are used to open and close nozzles and transport waste ink, then the reliability of fluid transport is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single drive source is designed to perform multiple functions: it rotates the squeezing member for fluid transport and simultaneously rotates the eccentric cam to open/close the internal passages. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate drive sources while maintaining complete control over fluid transport and passage control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic control of a single drive source rotating in different directions to achieve different functions. By controlling the rotation direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise), the system dynamically switches between fluid transport mode and passage control mode, maximizing the efficiency of the single drive source.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive sources are used to control flow passages and transport fluid, then the functionality is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive source, squeezing member, and eccentric cam are merged into a single integrated rotational mechanism. The drive source simultaneously drives both the squeezing member (for fluid transport) and the eccentric cam (for passage control) through shared rotational motion, eliminating the need for separate drive mechanisms and reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive source serves universal purposes by controlling both fluid transport and passage opening/closing operations. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require multiple dedicated mechanisms into one compact unit, significantly reducing device size.
3Device complexity
If a single drive source is used to rotate the pump in two directions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision for opening and closing passages must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric cam acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the rotational motion of the drive source into precise linear motion for the operating members. The cam profile is specifically designed to ensure accurate opening and closing of internal passages, maintaining manufacturing precision even though the drive source rotates in both directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentric cam mechanism converts continuous rotational motion into periodic reciprocating motion for the operating members. This periodic action ensures that the passages are opened and closed at precise intervals, maintaining control precision through the rhythmic, predictable motion pattern generated by the cam profile.
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 reduces the number of components, decreases size and cost, and minimizes axial growth by using a single drive source to transport fluid and control internal passages, while preventing wear and resistance through the absence of biasing springs.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way clutch provided between the squeezing member and the eccentric cam, and configured to regulate transmission of rotation of the squeezing member to the eccentric cam
Implementation Method 2
a roller attached to the squeezing member so as to be movable between a squeezing position to which the roller is moved in a state where the roller has been advanced so as to be able to press the tube member
Data Source
AI summary
A waste ink recovery device (1) which is a fluid transport device has a tubing pump (40) configured to rotate around a shaft center by a motor, thereby transporting waste ink into a recovery container, flow passage members (30) for guiding the waste ink into the tubing pump (40), a flow passage selector (50), and a one-way clutch (70). The flow passage selector (50) has operating members (53) for opening and closing internal flow passages of the flow passage members (30), and an eccentric cam (54) configured to make the operating members (53) open and close the internal flow passages of the flow passage members (30).