Inclined Flow Path Member Bubble Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting systems face challenges in effectively discharging bubbles from the flow path member, leading to decreased filtration efficiency and increased pressure loss, as protrusions on the bottom surface can catch bubbles and reduce the effective filtration area.
Innovation Solution
A flow path member design with an inclined bottom surface spaced away from the filter, which prevents bubble entrapment and maintains a larger filtration area, ensuring efficient bubble discharge by controlling the flow direction and velocity of the liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protrusions are provided on the bottom surface to prevent filter adhesion, then filter adhesion is suppressed, but bubbles are caught by the protrusions and discharge performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the protrusions from the bottom surface that were causing bubble entrapment, while maintaining the filter's ability to function effectively. By extracting the harmful protrusions and replacing them with a smooth bottom surface design, the solution eliminates bubble catching while preserving filter performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding protrusions to prevent filter adhesion, the invention inverts the approach by designing the bottom surface to be smooth and properly positioned relative to the filter, allowing liquid flow dynamics to prevent adhesion without creating bubble-trapping structures.
2Productivity
If the filter is pressed against the bottom surface due to liquid pressure, then filtration is enhanced, but the effective filtration area decreases and pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a specific spatial relationship between the filter and bottom surface, where the bottom surface is positioned at a controlled distance from the filter. This localized design allows the filter to maintain optimal positioning without excessive pressure contact, balancing filtration efficiency with pressure loss prevention.
3Speed
If the bottom surface is positioned close to the filter, then the flow path area is reduced and flow velocity increases, but bubbles are more likely to be caught and discharge performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention addresses the contradiction by considering the spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions. By designing the bottom surface to extend in a specific direction and position it at an optimal distance from the filter, the solution creates a three-dimensional flow path that maintains adequate velocity while preventing bubble entrapment through proper spatial configuration.
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 design enhances bubble discharge performance by preventing bubble entrapment and maintaining a larger filtration area, reducing pressure loss and ensuring effective ink ejection in liquid ejecting systems.
Implementation Method 1
even in a case where the filter is pressed toward the bottom surface side of the second space due to the pressure of the flowing liquid
Implementation Method 2
the cross sectional area of the flow path through which the liquid flows toward the exit decreases, and the flow (flow velocity) of the liquid becomes faster
Data Source
AI summary
A flow path member includes a filter, a first space provided with an entrance through which a ink flows in, and a second space separated from the first space by the filter and that has an exit through which the ink flows out and a bottom surface facing the filter, in which the bottom surface includes an inclined surface spaced away from the filter from an end of the filter toward a center in a case where the filter is viewed in plan view, and the exit is in a middle of the inclined surface.