Elastic Tube Support for Inkjet Flow Path Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flow path opening/closing devices for inkjet recording apparatuses face issues with incomplete flow path closure due to dimensional tolerance variations, leading to ink leakage or excessive pressure on tubes, which affects the lifespan and drive force required.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a flow path opening/closing device with an elastic support member that maintains a constant pressing force by absorbing dimensional tolerance variations, using a rotary cam member and a biasing spring to ensure consistent contact between the opening/closing member and the tube support member, allowing for precise control of the flow path closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional flow path opening/closing device is used, then the structure is simple, but dimensional tolerance variations cause incomplete flow path closure leading to ink leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path closure completenessVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic support member is pre-installed to cushion against dimensional tolerance variations before they cause incomplete flow path closure. The elastic member absorbs the variations in advance, ensuring reliable flow path closure without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic support member changes its physical state (compression/extension) in response to dimensional tolerance variations, dynamically adjusting the pressing force to maintain complete flow path closure despite manufacturing variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If pressing force is increased to ensure complete flow path closure, then ink leakage is prevented, but excessive pressure is applied to tubes reducing their lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path closure completenessVSAvoidtube lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic support member provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing excess force, ensuring that the tube receives only the necessary pressing force for complete flow path closure without excessive pressure that would reduce tube lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic support member dynamically adjusts the pressing force parameter based on the tube's elastic recovery, maintaining optimal pressure for flow path closure while preventing excessive pressure that would damage the tube.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If pressing force is increased to ensure complete flow path closure, then ink leakage is prevented, but the drive force required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path closure completenessVSAvoiddrive force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic support member cushions beforehand, reducing the drive force needed to achieve complete flow path closure. The elastic member stores and releases energy, minimizing the peak force required from the drive mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic support member changes the force profile by providing a progressive springback force, reducing the peak drive force required while maintaining complete flow path closure throughout the operation cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution ensures complete flow path closure with a consistent pressing force, preventing ink leakage and reducing wear on the tubes while minimizing the drive force required, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the inkjet recording apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic support member elastically supports the tube support member so as to move toward and away from the opening/closing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

In the closing position, the opening/closing member crushes the tube mounted on the tube support member, thereby cutting off a flow path defined within the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

In the opening position, the opening/closing member allows the cutoff of the flow path to be cancelled by a restoring force of the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentUS9090083B2Flow path opening/closing device and inkjet recording apparatus provided with the flow path opening/closing device

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A flow path opening/closing device includes a tube through which a recording liquid flows, a tube support member on which the tube is mounted, an opening/closing member configured to rotate between a closing position and an opening position, and an elastic support member. In the closing position, the opening/closing member crushes the tube mounted on the tube support member, thereby cutting off a flow path defined within the tube. In the opening position, the opening/closing member allows the cutoff of the flow path to be cancelled by a restoring force of the tube. The elastic support member elastically supports the tube support member so as to move the tube support member toward and away from the opening/closing member.