Ink Tank Air Vent Segmentation for Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-recording apparatuses face challenges in preventing liquid leakage when the head is positioned below the liquid chambers due to changes in orientation, and they struggle to maintain reliable liquid supply and air supply to the head, leading to potential interruptions and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes multiple air communication ports for independent control and a conveying mechanism with a recording head positioned above a conveying path, where the liquid outlet port discharges liquid below the center of the second storage chamber, ensuring sufficient air volume to prevent leakage and maintain liquid supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common single air communication port is used for multiple liquid chambers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of liquid supply deteriorates because liquid supply may be interrupted if the single port becomes clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single air communication port into multiple separate air communication ports, with each liquid chamber having its own dedicated air communication port. This segmentation allows independent air supply to each chamber, preventing clogging in one chamber from affecting others, thereby improving liquid supply reliability while accepting increased structural complexity.
2Reliability
If the liquid outlet port is positioned upward relative to the liquid level to prevent leakage, then the reliability of preventing liquid leakage improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the apparatus cannot be used in various orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air communication mechanism that dynamically adapts to different orientations. The air communication port allows air to enter the liquid chamber regardless of the apparatus orientation, enabling the liquid outlet port to discharge liquid reliably in any position without requiring the outlet to be constantly positioned upward relative to the liquid level.
3Reliability
If multiple air communication ports are provided for each liquid chamber, then the reliability of liquid supply improves because each chamber can be independently supplied, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by providing separate air communication ports for each liquid chamber, allowing independent air supply and liquid circulation control for each chamber. This ensures that if one chamber experiences issues, others continue to function normally, improving overall system reliability despite increased structural complexity.
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 liquid leakage and ensures a stable air supply to the head, even when the apparatus is oriented in unintended postures, maintaining efficient liquid ejection and preventing air discharge instead of ink, thus enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first air communication portion configured to allow the first storage chamber to communicate with an atmosphere... a second air communication portion configured to allow the second storage chamber to communicate with the atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
the liquid outlet port discharges liquid below the center of the second storage chamber... effectively suppresses liquid leakage... ensuring sufficient air volume to prevent leakage
Data Source
AI summary
An image-recording apparatus includes: a first tank defining a first storage chamber; a second tank defining a second storage chamber; a conveying mechanism for conveying sheets along a conveying path extending in a depthwise direction and a widthwise direction perpendicular to a vertical direction and the depthwise direction; and a recording head including a nozzle. Liquid in the first storage chamber is supplied through a communication port to the second storage chamber and then to the recording head through a liquid outlet port. The second storage chamber is positioned further in a first depthwise direction relative to the nozzle and further in a first widthwise direction relative to the conveying path. A volume of a prescribed space above a liquid level equal to a height of the communication port in the second storage chamber is greater than that of a liquid channel between the liquid outlet port and the nozzle.