Fluid Storage Device Using Gravity and Capillary Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing free ink systems face challenges in preventing fluid escape due to changes in pressure and temperature, especially when transitioning from small to larger volumes, and risk fluid escape even under constant conditions, leading to complex and costly structures.
Innovation Solution
The device design ensures the fluid remains below the first mouth opening in any position, with a capillary conveyor conduit that only contacts the fluid when the writing tip is above, reducing hydrostatic pressure and using a non-gas-tight passage for pressure compensation, eliminating the need for additional compensating measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional measures such as valve systems, plate storage means, or compensating systems are used to prevent fluid escape, then fluid containment reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fluid containment function from complex mechanical systems (valves, plates, compensating mechanisms) and transfers it to the fundamental physical principle of gravity. By positioning the fluid level below the first mouth opening, the system uses gravitational force as a passive containment mechanism, eliminating the need for active prevention components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses its own geometric configuration and gravitational field to achieve fluid containment. The tank design inherently prevents fluid escape through the first mouth opening by maintaining a fluid level below that opening, requiring no external control systems or additional components to enforce containment.
2Quantity of substance
If the volume of freely accommodated ink is increased from small to large volumes, then storage capacity is improved, but the required buffer measures and compensating volume increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a gravitational equipotential condition where the fluid level is maintained below the first mouth opening regardless of tank orientation. This gravitational reference level remains constant, allowing the tank to be filled to any volume without requiring additional buffer measures, as the containment mechanism scales naturally with volume.
3Quantity of substance
If the tank size is increased in both radial and axial directions to accommodate larger volumes, then storage capacity is improved, but hydrostatic pressure on the ink feed device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the hydrostatic pressure problem from the system by removing the fluid column that creates the pressure. By positioning the first mouth opening above the maximum fluid level, the design eliminates the fluid column between the opening and fluid surface, thereby eliminating hydrostatic pressure effects on the ink feed device regardless of tank size.
4Reliability
If a gas-tight passage is used to completely seal the conveyor conduit, then fluid containment is improved, but pressure compensation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The passage is designed with non-uniform sealing properties: it is gas-tight in most sections to prevent fluid escape, but intentionally left non-gas-tight in specific locations to allow pressure equalization. This localized variation in sealing quality enables both fluid containment and pressure compensation functions simultaneously.
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 enhances resistance to fluid discharge under varying conditions while maintaining a simple structure, allowing for efficient fluid conveyance through capillary action without additional components, ensuring the fluid cannot escape and compensates for pressure changes effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyor conduit (14) which projects into the tank (10) and conveys the product to the applicator device (18)
Implementation Method 2
the passage (22) does not gas-tightly surround the conveyor conduit (14), pressure compensation
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid product, comprising a tank for storing the product in free form, a conveyor conduit projecting into the tank, an applicator device connected to the conveyor conduit, and a passage which has a first and a second mouth opening and in which a portion of the conveyor conduit is disposed, wherein the first mouth opening of the passage is disposed in the tank, the second mouth opening is connected to the interior of the tank only by way of the conveyor conduit, and the conveyor conduit projects out of the passage beyond the first mouth opening into the tank.