Fluid Supply Axial Needle Valve for Printer Sealing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid supply systems for fluid-consuming devices, such as printers, face challenges in connecting and disconnecting efficiently while maintaining reliable fluid seals to prevent drying and occlusion of fluid passages, leading to complex and space-consuming components.

Innovation Solution

A fluid supply system with a compact design featuring an axial needle connection, a valve assembly with a compressible seal, and a bias mechanism that ensures concurrent opening and closing of fluid paths between the supply and receiver, preventing fluid loss and occlusion during connection and disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex sealing mechanisms are used to prevent fluid drying and occlusion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid seal reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly automatically opens and closes fluid paths through its own mechanical action during connection and disconnection operations. The valve body rotates to concurrently open inlet/outlet ports and close inlet/close outlet ports without requiring external control mechanisms, making the system self-regulating and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The valve assembly integrates multiple sealing functions into a single component structure. The valve body combines the functions of opening/closing inlet ports, closing outlet ports, and providing sealed paths all in one integrated unit, reducing the number of separate sealing components needed and simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If adequate seals are provided to inhibit drying of fluid, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid seal reliabilityVSAvoidsealing component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly automatically opens and closes fluid paths through its own mechanical action during connection and disconnection operations. The valve body rotates to concurrently open inlet/outlet ports and close inlet/close outlet ports without requiring external control mechanisms, making the system self-regulating and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The valve assembly integrates multiple sealing functions into a single component structure. The valve body combines the functions of opening/closing inlet ports, closing outlet ports, and providing sealed paths all in one integrated unit, reducing the number of separate sealing components needed and simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of substance

If concurrent opening and closing of fluid paths is ensured, then fluid loss is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid lossVSAvoidvalve mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly integrates multiple sealing functions into a single component structure. The valve body combines the functions of opening/closing inlet ports, closing outlet ports, and providing sealed paths all in one integrated unit, reducing the number of separate sealing components needed and simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve assembly maintains continuous sealed fluid paths throughout the connection and disconnection process. As the valve body rotates, it continuously provides sealed pathways that prevent fluid leakage, ensuring that fluid flow remains controlled and contained without interruption or loss during the transition states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system enables efficient and reliable fluid transfer while inhibiting drying, reducing the likelihood of fluid occlusion in both the supply and receiver, thus maintaining system functionality and reducing component complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a valve assembly with a compressible seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a valve assembly with a compressible seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a bias mechanism that ensures concurrent opening and closing of fluid paths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8651130B2Fluid supply

Publication Date: 2014.02.18 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A fluid supply includes a container (100, 300) containing a bag (102, 302) and a valve (104, 304).