Filter Unit Outflow Design for Efficient Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter units in liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink jet recording heads, suffer from inefficient bubble removal due to uneven distances and resistances in outflow passages, leading to stagnation and increased waste ink production during cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
The filter unit is designed with a configuration where the distance from the inflow passage to the first outflow passage is shorter than to the second outflow passage, and the second outflow passage has a lower passage resistance and larger opening area, facilitating efficient bubble discharge through the second passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the distance from the inflow passage to the first outflow passage is made shorter than to the second outflow passage, then the liquid flow path is optimized, but bubbles accumulate in areas far from the inflow passage and are discharged inefficiently through the first outflow passage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different passage resistances to different outflow passages based on their specific functions. The first outflow passage (closer to inflow) has higher resistance to prevent bubble accumulation, while the second outflow passage (farther from inflow) has lower resistance to facilitate bubble discharge from distant areas. This localized differentiation of flow characteristics resolves the contradiction between optimizing liquid flow speed and ensuring reliable bubble discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of passage resistance to resolve the contradiction. By setting the passage resistance of the first outflow passage higher than that of the second outflow passage, the system optimizes both liquid flow speed and bubble discharge efficiency. The parameter change in resistance compensates for the distance difference, ensuring that bubbles from distant areas can be effectively discharged while maintaining efficient liquid flow.
2Device complexity
If bubbles accumulate in areas far from the inflow passage, then cleaning operations require more time and produce more waste ink, but reducing the number of outflow passages simplifies the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the outflow function into multiple specialized passages. Instead of using a single outflow passage or multiple passages with equal resistance, the system segments the outflow paths with differentiated resistance values. The first outflow passage handles liquid discharge from nearby areas, while the second outflow passage specializes in bubble discharge from distant areas. This segmentation enables efficient bubble removal during cleaning operations, reducing cleaning time and waste ink production while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Reliability
If the passage resistance of the second outflow passage is made lower than the first outflow passage, then bubbles are effectively discharged through the second passage, but the liquid flow distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality - each outflow passage is designed with resistance characteristics tailored to its specific location and function. The first outflow passage (closer to inflow) has higher resistance appropriate for its position, while the second outflow passage (farther from inflow) has lower resistance to compensate for distance and facilitate bubble discharge. This localized optimization maintains stable liquid flow distribution while ensuring effective bubble discharge through the second passage.
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 design enhances bubble removal efficiency, reduces cleaning time, and minimizes waste ink production by ensuring that bubbles are effectively discharged through the second outflow passage, thereby improving the overall performance of the liquid ejecting apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a filter unit that has a passage including a filter chamber in which a filter is disposed. In the filter unit, the filter chamber is divided into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber by the filter, bubbles and foreign substances such as dust included in the liquid in the upstream chamber are removed by the filter
Implementation Method 2
an inflow passage through which a liquid flows into the upstream chamber of the filter chamber and an outflow passage through which a liquid flows out from the downstream chamber of the filter chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A filter unit includes a filter through which a liquid passes, a filter chamber that is divided into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber by the filter, an inflow passage through which a liquid flows into the upstream chamber, a first outflow passage through which a liquid flows out from the downstream chamber, and a second outflow passage through which a liquid flows out from the downstream chamber, a distance from the inflow passage to the first outflow passage is shorter than a distance from the inflow passage to the second outflow passage, and a passage resistance of the second outflow passage is lower than a passage resistance of the first outflow passage.