Flexible Tube Segmentation for Inkjet Head Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face issues with tube floating and entanglement due to uneven reaction forces when flexible tubes are bent and connected to ink-jet heads, particularly when trying to accommodate larger ink supplies for larger paper sizes, leading to potential clogging and operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a regulating member that includes accommodating sections for flexible tubes, which are fixed at intermediate positions intersecting the plane, preventing upward floating and entanglement by managing reaction forces, and allowing for independent deformation of tubes to maintain efficient ink flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the diameters of the tubes are increased to supply large amounts of ink for larger recording paper sheets, then the ink supply capability is improved, but the reaction forces generated in the tubes are increased causing the tubes to float upwardly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single tube system into multiple separate tubes (e.g., four tubes for four different ink cartridges). Each tube independently supplies ink from its respective cartridge to the ink-jet head. This segmentation distributes the total reaction force across multiple smaller tubes rather than concentrating it in one large tube, thereby reducing the upward floating effect while maintaining adequate ink supply capability for large paper sheets.
2Reliability
If the thickness of the tube is increased to prevent ink water from escaping and air from entering, then the sealing performance is improved, but the reaction force generated in the tube is increased causing the tube to float upwardly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single thick-walled tube, the patent employs multiple thinner-walled tubes. Each tube provides adequate sealing for its specific ink cartridge connection, and the distribution of reaction forces across multiple tubes prevents excessive upward floating. This segmentation allows reliable sealing without the adverse effects of increased reaction forces associated with thicker individual tubes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the plurality of tubes are integrally formed or molded, then the upward floating of tubes and entanglement between tubes is avoided, but it becomes difficult to arrange the tubes such that they are disposed in the vertical direction on the main body side and connected to the ink-jet head in the state of being disposed in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses separate, individually formable tubes rather than a single integrally molded structure. This allows each tube to be independently routed and positioned according to specific spatial requirements. The tubes can be arranged vertically on the main body side and connect to the ink-jet head in directions perpendicular to the scanning direction, providing the necessary arrangement flexibility while maintaining stability through proper positioning and support structures.
4Length of stationary object
If the tubes are fixed at fixed portions at intermediate positions, then the height of the ink-jet head is decreased, but the reaction forces act in the vertical direction causing the tubes to float upwardly and potentially become entangled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fixeds multiple separate tubes at intermediate positions rather than using a single long tube. This allows the ink-jet head height to be reduced while distributing the reaction forces across multiple fixed points and multiple tubes. The segmentation enables better control of tube positions and reaction force distribution, mitigating the upward floating effect even with fixed portions at intermediate positions.
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 solution effectively prevents tube floating and entanglement, ensuring stable operation and efficient ink supply to the ink-jet head, even when larger ink volumes are required, by regulating the movement of tubes and distributing reaction forces evenly.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of flexible tubes which are arranged in a state of being bent and separated from each other and each of which constructs a part of a liquid flow passage
Implementation Method 2
the reaction forces, which intend to restore the plurality of tubes from the bent state to the original state, are generated in the plurality of tubes arranged in the bent state
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid discharge head which reciprocates in a first direction on a predetermined plane and which discharges the liquids; liquid supply sources which store the liquids; flexible tubes which are arranged in a state of being bent and separated from each other and each of which constructs a part of a liquid flow passage; and a regulating member which is arranged on an outer circumferential side of the bent tubes and which regulates movement of the tubes, and connecting ports of the liquid discharge head, to which first ends of the flexible tubes are connected, are arranged in a second direction on the plane; the tubes are arranged in a third direction intersecting the predetermined plane at fixed portion of the tubes; and the regulating member has accommodating sections which accommodate the flexible tubes respectively.