Ink Tank Atmospheric Air Communication Path Leakage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ink tanks in liquid ejection systems, such as inkjet printers, face issues with ink leakage due to atmospheric air communication paths when the tank is oriented differently from the expected position or environment.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a buffer chamber and a strategically configured atmospheric air communication path with multiple orientations to prevent ink from reaching the outside, including a buffer chamber that can store ink forced out by air expansion, and a communication path layout that ensures ink is guided back into the tank even when rotated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an atmospheric air communication path is provided to introduce atmospheric air into the ink tank as ink is consumed, then air can be supplied to replace consumed ink, but ink may leak out through the communication path when the tank is in an unexpected orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveatmospheric air communicationVSAvoidink leakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The atmospheric air communication path is designed with a three-dimensional configuration where air enters through a lower opening and rises through a vertical channel to an upper opening. This vertical dimension ensures that regardless of the tank's orientation, the communication path maintains a configuration where air can enter but ink cannot easily escape, as the path relies on buoyancy and pressure differentials that work against ink leakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The atmospheric air communication path acts as an intermediary structure between the external atmosphere and the ink containing portion. It mediates the air supply function while simultaneously serving as a barrier to ink leakage by designing the path geometry such that air can pass through (entering from below, exiting at top) but ink is prevented from following the same path due to the directional nature of the flow and gravitational effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the atmospheric air communication path is positioned to allow air entry, then air can be introduced into the tank, but the path may also become a route for ink to escape to the outside

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair introduction efficiencyVSAvoidink leakage through communication path

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication path utilizes vertical positioning and three-dimensional routing to create a structure where air enters from below and must travel upward through the path to reach the ink containing portion. This dimensional arrangement ensures that the path serves its air introduction function while the upward trajectory and pressure dynamics prevent ink from escaping through the same route

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the tank is designed with a simple atmospheric air communication path, then the structure is simple, but the path may allow ink to reach the buffer chamber and leak externally when rotated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication path structureVSAvoidleakage suppression in rotated orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The atmospheric air communication path is configured with a vertical component that extends from the lower opening through the tank body to the upper opening. This vertical dimension creates a pressure and flow dynamic where air can enter and pass through, but ink is prevented from reaching the buffer chamber and escaping, even when the tank is rotated, because the path geometry and buoyancy forces work against ink movement in the wrong direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration effectively suppresses ink leakage across various orientations and environmental conditions, ensuring reliable operation and reducing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

The buffer chamber is capable of containing atmospheric air and an atmospheric air communication path that communicates between the buffer chamber and the liquid containing portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

When the tank is in a first orientation in which the liquid is injected into the liquid containing portion via the liquid injection portion, the atmospheric air introducing inlet may be located on an upper end side of the liquid containing portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10308031B2Tank, tank unit, and liquid ejection system

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A technique is provided that can suppress leakage of a liquid from a tank. When an ink tank is in a reference orientation in which ink is injected into the ink tank, an atmospheric air introducing inlet of an atmospheric air communication path is located on an upper end side of the ink containing portion. Also, when the ink tank is in the reference orientation, when the ink tank is in a second orientation in which the ink tank has been rotated by 90° from the reference orientation, and when the ink tank is in a third orientation in which the ink tank has been rotated by 180°, at least a portion of the atmospheric air communication path is located at a height position of an upper end portion of the ink containing portion.