Differential Rigidity Sealing in Ink Flow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow channel structures for liquid ejecting systems, such as inkjet printers, face issues with deformation and breakage due to pressure differences across valves, leading to increased pressure loss and reduced foreign material collection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A flow channel structure is designed with a first sealing body of lower rigidity and a second sealing body of higher rigidity, where the second sealing body is positioned on the upstream side with higher internal pressure, reducing the likelihood of deformation and breakage, and incorporating filters with varying mesh sizes to manage pressure and collect foreign materials effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a valve is installed on the flow channel to control liquid flow, then liquid flow control is improved, but the pressure difference between upstream and downstream sides causes deformation or breakage of the flow channel space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the rigidity of sealing bodies based on their position in the flow channel. The second sealing body (upstream, high pressure side) is designed with higher rigidity to resist deformation, while the first sealing body (downstream, low pressure side) uses lower rigidity material. This localized differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction by strengthening only where needed to prevent breakage while maintaining overall system functionality.
2Reliability
If the rigidity of sealing bodies is increased to prevent deformation, then flow channel integrity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing rigidity throughout the entire sealing system (which would increase complexity), the patent applies local quality by selectively differentiating rigidity only where necessary - specifically making the second sealing body (upstream) more rigid than the first sealing body (downstream). This targeted approach maintains reliability while avoiding unnecessary complexity in low-stress areas.
3Reliability
If filters are installed in the flow channel to collect foreign materials, then foreign material collection is improved, but pressure loss and flow resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the mesh size parameter of filters based on their position in the flow channel. Filters are designed with appropriate mesh densities that balance foreign material collection capability with pressure loss characteristics, allowing effective filtration while minimizing energy loss in the liquid flow.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow channel structure includes a first flow channel chamber to which an ink is supplied, a first sealing body that configures a wall face of the first flow channel chamber, a valve body that controls flow and blocking of the ink in accordance with deformation of the first sealing body, a second flow channel chamber that communicates with the first flow channel chamber, and a second sealing body that configures a wall face of the second flow channel chamber, in which the rigidity of the second sealing body is greater than the rigidity of the first sealing body.