Flow Channel Member with Intersecting Optical Zones for Bubble Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow channel structures in liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, do not allow for visual inspection of the flow channel from multiple directions, which can lead to issues like bubble accumulation affecting print quality.
Innovation Solution
A flow channel member is formed by welding a light absorbing first flow channel forming member with light transmitting second and third flow channel forming members, where the surfaces intersect, enabling visual inspection from multiple angles and facilitating bubble detection and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flow channel structure uses a single light transmitting member welded to a light absorbing member, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flow channel inside cannot be visually recognized from multiple directions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel member is divided into multiple flow channel forming members (first, second, and third members) with different optical properties. The first member has light absorbing properties while the second and third members have light transmitting properties, allowing visual inspection from multiple directions. This segmentation enables both manufacturing simplicity and improved detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the flow channel member are assigned different optical properties. The first flow channel forming member uses light absorbing material while the second and third members use light transmitting material. This local differentiation allows the structure to maintain ease of manufacture while enabling visual recognition of the flow channel from multiple directions.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the flow channel is formed by welding members with different optical properties, then visual inspection from multiple directions becomes possible, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel member is segmented into multiple forming members with specific optical properties assigned to each segment. This segmentation enables visual inspection from multiple directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured through standardized welding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel member structure serves multiple functions: it forms the flow channel, enables visual inspection from multiple directions, and maintains structural integrity through welding. By making the structure multi-functional, the design achieves improved detectability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Device complexity
If only one surface is made light transmitting, then the structure is simpler, but bubbles in the flow channel cannot be detected from all directions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel forming members are segmented into different optical zones. The first member absorbs light while the second and third members transmit light, creating multiple viewing paths. This segmentation enables bubble detection from multiple directions, improving reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local regions of the flow channel member have different optical properties. The light transmitting portions are strategically positioned to provide viewing paths from multiple directions, enabling comprehensive bubble detection while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
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 allows for easy visual inspection and bubble detection in the flow channel from multiple directions, improving print quality by ensuring the flow channel is clear of obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow channel forming member that includes a light absorbing member having absorbing properties with respect to laser light
Implementation Method 2
a second flow channel forming member that includes a light transmitting member having transmitting properties with respect to the laser light
Implementation Method 3
welded to a first surface of the first flow channel forming member
Implementation Method 4
a first flow channel forming member that includes a light absorbing member having absorbing properties with respect to laser light
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a flow channel member in which a flow channel of a liquid is formed by a plurality of flow channel forming members, the flow channel member including: a first flow channel forming member that includes a light absorbing member having absorbing properties with respect to laser light; a second flow channel forming member that includes a light transmitting member having transmitting properties with respect to the laser light and is welded to a first surface of the first flow channel forming member; and a third flow channel forming member that includes a light transmitting member having transmitting properties with respect to the laser light and is welded to a second surface of the first flow channel forming member. The first surface and the second surface are provided at positions where planes along the both surfaces intersect with each other.