Ink Refill Container Cap Projection Valve Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink refill containers face issues with pressure buildup and creep deformation of the valve member due to increased temperature, leading to potential ink spurtage and leakage when the container is turned upside down, as existing designs fail to adequately release pressure and prevent deformation.
Innovation Solution
The ink refill container features a cap with a projection that moves to push and open the valve member when rotated in one direction, releasing pressure, and moves away to close it when rotated in another direction, utilizing a screw thread mechanism to manage the valve's operation and reduce creep deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pusher is used to open the valve member segmented by slits, then the valve can be opened for ink ejection, but the pressure from the container cannot be sufficiently released and creep deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The projection is configured to move dynamically between two positions: pushing the valve member open when the cap is rotated in the first direction, and moving away to allow the valve member to close when the cap is rotated in the second direction. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by enabling both adequate pressure release during opening and proper valve closure to prevent creep deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw thread mechanism enables periodic action through rotational movement: rotating the cap in the first direction causes the projection to push the valve open for pressure release, while rotating in the second direction allows the projection to move away and the valve to close. This periodic opening and closing action resolves the contradiction between pressure release and deformation prevention.
2Ease of operation
If the cap is closed with the pusher keeping the valve member open, then the valve remains accessible, but creep deformation of the valve member occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The projection dynamically adjusts its position based on cap rotation direction. When the cap is closed and rotated in the second direction, the projection moves away from the valve member, allowing it to close completely and maintain shape stability, preventing creep deformation while still enabling accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of keeping the valve member continuously open with the pusher, the invention inverts the approach: the projection moves away to allow the valve to close naturally when the cap is rotated in the second direction. This inversion resolves the contradiction by prioritizing valve member shape stability during closure while maintaining accessibility through controlled opening.
3Ease of operation
If the valve member is segmented by slits to allow opening, then ink ejection is enabled, but pressure resistance is insufficient causing ink spurtage
Solution Approach 1:
The screw thread mechanism enables periodic control of the slit valve: rotating the cap in the first direction opens the valve for ink ejection, while rotating in the second direction closes it to maintain pressure resistance and prevent ink spurtage. This periodic opening and closing resolves the contradiction between ejection capability and pressure resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection dynamically transitions between pushing the valve open for ejection and moving away to allow closure for pressure resistance. This dynamic control enables the segmented valve to provide both easy opening for ejection and sufficient pressure resistance to prevent spurtage under different operational conditions.
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 design effectively reduces pressure buildup and creep deformation, preventing ink spurtage and leakage when the container is inverted, ensuring reliable ink refilling and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a first inner peripheral portion having a second screw thread configured to engage with the first screw thread
Implementation Method 2
a valve member formed of an elastic material and disposed in the ink outlet
Implementation Method 3
a spring configured to urge the valve member toward the sealing member
Data Source
AI summary
An ink refill container includes a bottle and a cap. The bottle includes: an ink outlet forming portion having an ink outlet and an outer peripheral portion with a first screw thread; and a valve with a valve member in the ink outlet. The cap includes: a trunk having a second screw thread engageable with the first screw thread; a top portion; and a projection. The projection is configured to move and push the valve member to open the valve member when the cap is rotated in a first direction in which engagement between the first screw thread and second screw thread is cancelled. The projection is configured to relatively rotate in the first direction and move away from the valve member to close the valve member when the cap is rotated in a second direction in which the first screw thread engages with the second screw thread.