Reusable Ink Supply Container Filtration Against Nozzle Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink supply containers for inkjet printers are prone to foreign matter entering the ink bag, which can clog the printer head or nozzle, hindering ink discharge and preventing the reuse of the container.
Innovation Solution
An ink supply container with a filter member in the ink flow path to capture foreign matter, a nozzle with a filter, and sealing structures to maintain pressure equality during ink transfer, ensuring the container can be reused by replacing the ink bag and nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the ink bag is made of flexible material to enable reuse, then the container can be remanufactured, but foreign matter may enter the ink bag and cause clogging
Solution Approach 1:
A filter member is introduced as an intermediary component between the ink bag and the ink flow path. This filter captures foreign matter particles before they can enter the ink flow path and cause clogging, while still allowing the flexible ink bag to function properly for ink storage and transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter member is pre-installed in the ink flow path before ink transfer begins. This preliminary placement ensures that any foreign matter entering the ink bag during storage or handling is captured before it can reach the ink flow path and cause clogging issues.
2Ease of repair
If the ink bag is separated from the container body for reuse, then the container can be remanufactured, but foreign matter may enter the ink bag during separation or filling
Solution Approach 1:
The filter member acts as a protective intermediary that remains in the ink flow path even when the ink bag is separated. This ensures that during the separation process or during refilling operations, any foreign matter that enters the system is captured by the filter before it can contaminate the ink or cause clogging.
3Ease of repair
If the ink bag becomes broken inside the container, then the container can be reused, but fragments become foreign matter causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The filter member serves as a protective barrier that captures ink bag fragments before they can enter the ink flow path. Even when the ink bag breaks during handling or storage, the filter intercepts the fragments, preventing them from causing clogging in the ink flow path or head.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter member converts the potentially harmful effect of ink bag fragmentation into a manageable situation by capturing the fragments. Instead of fragments causing clogging, they are trapped in the filter, and the system continues to function properly.
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
Prevents clogging of the printer head and nozzle by capturing foreign matter, allowing the reuse of the container body and reducing waste by remanufacturing the ink supply container.
Implementation Method 1
the ink flow path is provided with a filter member configured to be able to capture foreign matter contained in the ink flowing in from the spout
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes an ink bag having a spout, a container body that accommodates the ink bag, and a nozzle attachable to and detachable from the container body, which has an ink flow path communicating with the spout while being attached to the container body and an opening portion for opening the ink flow path to the outside, the ink flow path is provided with a filter member that can capture foreign matter contained in the ink flowing in from the spout. This can promote reuse of the container body, and the technologies described in this specification have the potential to contribute to the achievement of a sustainable society, such as a decarbonized society/circular society.