Ink Cartridge Pressure Equalization via Segmented Air Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink cartridges face issues with air bubbles in the ink supply portion due to pressure differences, leading to printing failures and ink inefficiency, as the pressure in the ink chamber is initially less than atmospheric pressure, causing air bubbles to shrink and ink or air to flow into the supply portion, and ink is retained by surface tension when the amount decreases.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a specific ink path and valve system that allows controlled introduction of air into the ink chamber and selective ink supply, ensuring the pressure equals atmospheric pressure, preventing air increase in the supply portion and efficiently consuming ink by aligning the ink path with the pivotable member's movement, thus preventing air from entering and ensuring ink flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure in the ink chamber is increased to be equal to the atmospheric pressure, then the air bubbles shrink and the volume of air bubbles decreases, but ink or air flows from the ink chamber into the ink supply portion, leading to an increase in air in the ink supply portion and potential printing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air into the ink chamber before use to equalize pressure, but does so in a controlled manner. The air introduction path is designed to allow air entry while preventing air bubbles from entering the ink supply portion, thus preparing the system in advance to avoid printing failures without causing air contamination in the supply portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the air introduction path from the ink supply path. The air introduction path has a specific opening position that allows air to enter the ink chamber while the ink supply portion remains isolated from direct air exposure. This segmentation prevents air bubbles from contaminating the ink supply portion while still allowing pressure equalization.
2Quantity of substance
If the ink chamber is packed under pressure less than atmospheric pressure to remove dissolved air, then air bubbles are reduced in the ink, but air bubbles remain in the ink supply portion and may be supplied to the recording head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts air from the ink chamber through a dedicated air introduction path that allows controlled air entry. This path is positioned and configured to remove air bubbles from the ink chamber while preventing air from entering the ink supply portion, thus separating the air removal function from the ink supply function.
3Quantity of substance
If the end of the path continuous with the ink chamber is submerged in ink, then ink flows into the ink supply portion, but when the end is positioned in air, air flows into the ink supply portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the air introduction opening at a specific location and orientation within the ink chamber. The opening is configured to face upward, allowing air to enter only from above, while the ink supply path is positioned such that air bubbles naturally rise away from it. This local positioning ensures that air enters the chamber without contaminating the ink supply portion.
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 solution prevents the increase of air in the ink supply portion, ensuring stable ink flow and efficient consumption by maintaining equal pressure in the ink chamber, thereby preventing printing failures and optimizing ink usage.
Implementation Method 1
When the pressure in the ink chamber is increased to be equal to the atmospheric pressure, the air bubbles shrink, i.e., the volume of the air bubbles decreases.
Implementation Method 2
When an end of the path, which end is continuous with the ink chamber, is submerged in ink, ink flows into the ink supply portion via the path.
Implementation Method 3
When the end of the path is positioned in air, air flows into the ink supply portion via the path.
Implementation Method 4
When this occurs, ink may be held in a gap formed between the one end of the pivotable member and the bottom surface by the surface tension of the ink.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink cartridge includes a case including an ink chamber defined in the case and configured to store ink, and a first wall facing an exterior of the case. The first wall has a first opening formed therethrough, and a second opening formed therethrough. The first opening is configured to introduce air into an interior of the ink chamber, and the second opening is configured to supply ink from an interior of the case to the exterior of the case. The case also includes a second wall facing the exterior of the case and positioned opposite the first wall, and a third wall positioned in the case and defining a portion of the ink chamber. The third wall has a third opening formed therethrough, and the third opening is positioned closer to the second wall than to the first wall. Moreover, the case includes a particular ink path extending from the second opening to the third opening. The particular ink path is in fluid communication with the ink chamber via the third opening.