Ink Coupling Valve Structure for Leak-Safe Flow Path Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing the circulation and connection of ink through flow path mechanisms, leading to potential leaks and inefficiencies in the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A tubular coupling member with a hollow movable valve and valve housing that allows for controlled ink circulation by positioning the valve between connected and disconnected states, utilizing compression coil springs and sealing members to ensure secure ink flow and minimize leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve is arranged inside the tubular coupling member to control ink circulation, then ink flow control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like hollow movable valve and valve housing
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow movable valve is nested inside the tubular body, and the valve housing encompasses the movable valve. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be integrated within the coupling member's structure, achieving flow control functionality while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall device form.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member serves multiple functions: it connects tubes, allows ink circulation when connected, restricts circulation when disconnected, and provides a housing for the valve mechanism. By integrating these functions into a single component, the device complexity is minimized while achieving reliable ink flow control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hollow movable valve is made displaceable between connected and disconnected positions, then the ability to control ink circulation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow movable valve is designed to be displaceable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically switch between connected and disconnected positions. This dynamic capability enables the coupling member to adapt its ink circulation control based on operational requirements, while the displacement mechanism is designed to achieve the necessary sealing without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling member includes a valve housing and a hollow movable valve. Relative to the valve housing, the hollow movable valve is positionally displaced in an axis direction between a position in a connected state where the coupling member is connected to another coupling member and a position in a disconnected state where the coupling member is disconnected from the other coupling member, thus allowing circulation of a liquid therethrough in the connected state, while restricting the circulation of the liquid therethrough in the disconnected state. In the connected state, a gap is generated between a prescribed part of the hollow movable valve and the valve housing in a radial direction. The hollow movable valve has a circulation opening penetrating through the prescribed part in the radial direction.