Ink Cartridge Pressure Control via Segmented Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink cartridges for ink-jet recording apparatuses face issues where ink flows back into the cartridge installation portion during installation or removal, leading to contamination and potential electrical troubles due to ink dripping from the hollow needle, causing ink to adhere to the outer casing and circuit board.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first ink chamber, a second ink chamber in fluid communication with the first, an ink-flow check portion to allow ink flow from the first to the second while blocking reverse flow, and a pressure control portion to manage internal pressure, along with a deformable film in the sub tank to absorb pressure changes and prevent ink backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hollow needle is inserted into the accommodation chamber to enable ink flow, then ink can be supplied to the recording head, but internal pressure increases causing ink to flow back and drip from the needle
Solution Approach 1:
The ink cartridge is divided into two separate ink chambers: a first ink chamber for storing ink and a second ink chamber for pressure control. This segmentation allows independent management of ink storage and pressure regulation, preventing pressure-induced ink backflow while maintaining reliable ink supply to the recording head
Solution Approach 2:
The second ink chamber acts as an intermediary between the first ink chamber and the hollow needle. It receives ink from the first chamber through the ink-flow check portion and regulates pressure before ink flows to the needle, thereby preventing direct pressure transmission that causes ink dripping
2Reliability
If the check valve blocks ink from flowing back into the ink chamber, then ink flows to the recording head, but pressure increases causing ink to deform the sub tank film and flow back
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ink storage system into two chambers, the patent isolates the pressure control function in the second chamber from the main ink storage in the first chamber. This allows the check valve to maintain one-way flow control while the second chamber absorbs pressure variations
Solution Approach 2:
The second ink chamber utilizes a deformable film (sub tank) that can expand and contract to absorb pressure changes. When pressure increases, the film deforms to accommodate the pressure, preventing it from being transmitted to the first ink chamber and causing ink to flow back
3Ease of operation
If the ink cartridge is removed during ink backflow from sub tank to accommodation chamber, then the cartridge can be replaced, but ink drips from the needle and causes contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control portion preemptively regulates pressure and prevents ink backflow before the cartridge removal operation occurs. By controlling pressure in advance, the system ensures ink remains stable in the accommodation chamber during the cartridge replacement process, preventing dripping contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The second ink chamber serves as a buffer intermediary that decouples the ink flow from the cartridge removal action. It absorbs pressure variations and prevents direct communication between the ink supply system and the external environment during installation/removal operations
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 reduces ink flow to the recording head during installation, minimizes ink backflow, and prevents contamination, thereby reducing the risk of electrical issues and maintaining the integrity of the recording apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The ink-flow check portion is configured to allow the ink to flow from the first ink chamber to the second ink chamber and block the ink from flowing from the second ink chamber to the first ink chamber
Implementation Method 2
The recording head is provided on a carriage having a sub tank whose portion is made up of a deformable film. When the ink flows into the sub tank, the film of the sub tank deforms and absorbs a pressure change that occurs within the sub tank
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an ink cartridge including a first ink chamber, a second ink chamber, an ink-flow check portion and a pressure control portion. The first ink chamber is configured to store ink therein. The second ink chamber is in fluid communication with the first ink chamber via a first path, the second ink chamber defining therein a volume. The ink-flow check portion is configured to allow the ink to flow from the first ink chamber to the second ink chamber and block the ink from flowing from the second ink chamber to the first ink chamber. The pressure control portion is configured to control an internal pressure of the second ink chamber.