Flexible Member Liquid Supply Path Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of the liquid supply path configuration in liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, is increased by separate mechanisms for closing the path, leading to a more complicated design.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a flexible member that forms part of the liquid chamber and serves as a displacement detecting unit, which closes the liquid supply path when the liquid level decreases, thereby simplifying the configuration and stabilizing the displacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate ink supply valve is provided to open or close the ink supply path, then the liquid supply path can be controlled, but the configuration of the liquid supply path becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid supply path controlVSAvoidliquid supply path configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ink supply valve function with the flexible member that forms part of the liquid chamber. The flexible member itself acts as the closing element for the liquid supply path, eliminating the need for a separate valve mechanism. This merging of functions simplifies the overall configuration while maintaining reliable control over the liquid supply path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible member serves multiple functions: it forms part of the liquid chamber structure, acts as a displacement detecting target, and functions as the closing element for the liquid supply path. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the liquid supply path configuration while maintaining control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate configuration is provided to close the liquid supply path, then the path can be sealed, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid supply path sealingVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The closing configuration is merged into the flexible member itself. The flexible member's displacement and contact with the liquid supply path achieves sealing without requiring separate valve components or closing mechanisms. This integration reduces the total number of components while ensuring reliable path sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the flexible member is used to close the liquid supply path, then the configuration is simplified, but the displacement stability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid supply path configurationVSAvoidflexible member displacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides a guide portion that预先 (in advance) guides the guided portion of the flexible member along a predetermined path. This preliminary guidance structure ensures that the flexible member's displacement follows a stable and controlled trajectory, preventing erratic movement while maintaining the simplified configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guide portion acts as an intermediary element between the flexible member and its displacement target. It mediates the movement by providing a constrained path, ensuring stable displacement while allowing the flexible member to maintain its simplified closing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simplifies the liquid supply path design, reduces the number of components, and allows for stable closure and efficient operation, including effective cleaning and increased flow force when needed.

Implementation Method 1

the flexible member closes the liquid supply path by being displaced in a direction in which a volume of the liquid chamber is reduced due to a decrease in the liquid in the liquid chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a flow path unit which includes a displacement detecting unit which detects a displacement of the flexible member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDisplacement detection: Displacement

Data Source

PatentUS10363742B2Liquid ejecting apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head which ejects liquid from nozzles; a liquid supply path which includes a liquid chamber partly formed of a flexible member, and supplies liquid to the liquid ejecting head; and a flow path unit which includes a displacement detecting unit which detects a displacement of the flexible member, and the liquid chamber, in which the flexible member closes the liquid supply path by being displaced in a direction in which a volume of the liquid chamber is reduced due to a decrease in liquid in the liquid chamber.