Invertible Ink Stamp Pressure Management via Porous Absorbent Vents
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Invertible ink stamps face issues with ink overflow due to rapid temperature changes causing internal pressure increases, leading to ink impregnation problems and inefficiencies in ink replenishment.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an ink absorber/retainer member with a weaker capillary attraction absorbent member and a venting system, along with an ink-blocking or fiber wall member, to manage internal pressure and prevent ink overflow, while allowing for efficient ink replenishment through a refill cartridge system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If ink is supplied through a pipe to the ink pad, then ink replenishment is automated, but rapid temperature rise causes internal pressure increase leading to ink overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous absorbent member with controlled porosity to manage ink flow and pressure. The porous structure allows ink to be absorbed and retained while permitting air to escape through vents, preventing pressure buildup that would cause overflow. The porosity is specifically designed to balance ink absorption with pressure equalization.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary absorbent member is introduced between the ink supply pipe and the ink pad. This intermediary component absorbs excess ink and regulates ink flow, preventing direct pressure transmission from the supply pipe to the ink pad that would cause overflow during temperature fluctuations.
Solution Approach 3:
Vents are provided in the absorbent member to preliminarily counteract pressure buildup by allowing air to escape before it can cause ink overflow. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect of pressure-induced overflow before it occurs.
2Ease of manufacture
If ink pad is replenished by dripping from external ink source, then ink supply is simple, but excessive ink application occurs and replenishment is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent member performs self-service by automatically absorbing and retaining the appropriate amount of ink from the supply pipe. It self-regulates ink quantity through its capillary action and porosity, eliminating the need for manual control and preventing excessive ink application.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous structure of the absorbent member naturally limits ink absorption to the required amount through capillary action. The pore size and distribution are designed to absorb only the necessary ink quantity, preventing waste while ensuring adequate ink supply to the stamp face.
3Quantity of substance
If ink absorber/retainer member has strong capillary attraction, then ink is effectively retained, but excessive ink cannot be absorbed during temperature pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent member uses porous materials with specifically engineered pore structures that provide strong capillary attraction for normal ink retention while maintaining sufficient porosity to accommodate pressure-induced ink expansion. The porous structure allows the material to absorb and expand with pressure increases without overflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the absorbent member, specifically its porosity and capillary characteristics, to balance ink retention with pressure tolerance. The material parameters are optimized to retain ink effectively under normal conditions while allowing controlled expansion under temperature-induced pressure increases.
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 effectively prevents ink overflow and ensures continuous ink supply by managing pressure fluctuations and allowing for secure and efficient ink replenishment without leakage.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent member disposed on the top surface of the ink absorber/retainer member and having capillary attraction weaker than that of the ink absorber/retainer member but sufficient to absorb excessive ink
Implementation Method 2
an absorbent member disposed on the top surface of the ink absorber/retainer member and having capillary attraction weaker than that of the ink absorber/retainer member but sufficient to absorb excessive ink, the absorbent member having a vent in at least part of the top side or either of lateral sides for conducting to the atmospheric air
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An invertible ink stamp comprises an ink absorber/retainer member (3) disposed on top of the ink pad (6), an absorbent member (31) disposed on the top of the ink absorber/retainer member and having capillary attraction weaker than that of the ink absorber/retainer member but sufficient to absorb excessive ink, the absorbent member (31) having a vent (31 a) in at least part of the top side or either of lateral sides for conducting to the atmospheric air, an ink tank (2) having an ink supply tube (21) that has its distal open end connected to the ink absorber/retainer member (3), and a wall member surrounding the whole circumferential surface of the ink absorber/retainer member for avoiding leakage of ink.