Elastic Liquid Collecting Device for Ink Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid collecting systems for ink jet printers face challenges in reliably preventing liquid leakage during secondary transport, as incomplete connections can lead to unsatisfactory liquid collection, leaving ink in the sub-tank and increasing the risk of leakage.
Innovation Solution
A liquid collecting device with a bottle main body having elastic restoration force, featuring first and second openings, a collecting joint portion with a throttle portion and a valve element, and an O-ring for sealing, which allows for efficient ink collection and minimizes ink left in the sub-tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If liquid is collected using a simple tube connection between the sub-tank and collecting container, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of liquid collection deteriorates due to incomplete connections
Solution Approach 1:
The collecting tube is nested within the collecting container, with the tube extending into the container's interior space. This nested configuration ensures that the tube remains properly positioned and connected during liquid collection, preventing disconnection while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve element is introduced as an intermediary component within the collecting tube to control and ensure complete liquid collection. The valve element mediates between the simple tube structure and the requirement for reliable collection by preventing air entry and ensuring complete liquid transfer before disconnection.
2Reliability
If the liquid tank is emptied completely to prevent leakage during transport, then the reliability of leakage prevention is improved, but the loss of liquid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid collection operation is performed as a preliminary action before secondary transport. The collecting container is positioned below the sub-tank in advance, and the collection process is initiated before transport begins, ensuring liquid is removed proactively to prevent leakage during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element provides feedback control for liquid collection by automatically closing when liquid reaches a certain level or when collection is complete. This feedback mechanism prevents over-collection and minimizes liquid loss while ensuring sufficient liquid removal to prevent leakage during transport.
3Reliability
If a valve element with large area is provided in the space, then the reliability of liquid collection is improved by preventing air entry, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is designed to operate automatically based on liquid level and pressure conditions without requiring external control mechanisms. The valve opens when liquid flows in and closes when collection is complete or air pressure increases, making the system self-regulating and reducing overall structural complexity despite the added valve 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 system effectively prevents liquid leakage during secondary transport by nearly emptying the sub-tank, ensuring safe relocation while minimizing ink residue and reducing the risk of contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a bottle main body having an elastic restoration force
Implementation Method 2
a first valve element provided in the space so as to be movable in a flowing direction of the liquid
Implementation Method 3
a liquid collecting container provided below the sub-tank in the gravity direction, and the liquid in the sub-tank is collected in the liquid collecting container owing to a water head difference
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid collecting device to collect liquid stored in a storage portion of a liquid container includes a bottle main body, a collecting joint portion, and a first valve element. A flow passage member of the liquid container ports the liquid to the storage portion. The bottle main body has first and second openings in communication with outside the liquid collecting device. The collecting joint portion connects to the bottle main body through the first opening and includes a first coupling portion coupled to the flow passage member, and an internal flow passage extending between the first opening and the first coupling portion. The internal flow passage includes a throttle portion and a space. The first valve element is moveably provided in the space and the first valve element has an area larger than an opening area of the first opening and an opening area of the throttle portion.