Ink Tank Casing Design for Stable Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printers face instability in ink supply due to accidental removal of the plug member from the liquid inlet port, which can lead to air contamination and pressure variations, affecting the reliability of ink ejection.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus design where the tank is integrated within a casing that covers both the tank and the liquid ejection head, with the sealing member protected by the cover, and the air introducing path located below the nozzle, reducing the likelihood of accidental removal and maintaining constant pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tank is placed in an externally attached container unit for easy ink refilling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased likelihood of accidental plug member removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tank with the printer body by integrating it into the casing, eliminating the separate container unit. This integration reduces the risk of accidental plug removal while maintaining ease of refilling through a dedicated access mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank is nested within the casing structure, with the plug member housed inside the casing rather than externally exposed. This nesting protects the plug from accidental removal while allowing controlled access for refilling.
2Ease of operation
If the plug member is exposed outside for easy access during ink pouring, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability worsens due to higher risk of accidental removal
Solution Approach 1:
The plug member is nested within the casing structure, positioned inside rather than externally exposed. This allows the plug to be accessed when needed for refilling while being protected from accidental removal during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing structure is designed to provide preliminary protection to the plug member, keeping it covered during normal operation and only exposing it when refilling is intentionally performed.
3Ease of operation
If the inlet port is positioned at a higher location for easy pouring, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to pressure variations affecting ink supply stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different positioning strategies to different components: the inlet port is positioned for easy access while the air introducing path opening is positioned at a lower location to maintain pressure stability, creating localized functional optimization.
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 enhances the stability of ink supply by minimizing accidental removal of the sealing member and maintaining consistent pressure, thereby ensuring reliable ink ejection and preventing ink leakage.
Implementation Method 1
an air introducing path that is arranged to introduce the air into the container portion... This configuration is more likely to suppress a variation in pressure applied to the liquid flowing out of the tank
Implementation Method 2
a sealing member that is configured to seal the inlet port... stabilizes ink supply to the liquid ejection head
Implementation Method 3
the liquid may be contained in the container portion such that a liquid level of the liquid in the container portion is located at a higher position than a nozzle of the liquid ejection head
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a tank; a liquid ejection head; and a casing configured to integrally cover the tank and the liquid ejection head. The tank includes a container portion configured to contain a liquid, an air introducing path arranged to introduce the air into the container portion, an inlet port configured to pour the liquid into the container portion, and an outlet port formed to supply the liquid into the liquid ejection head. In an attitude that the liquid is ejectable from the liquid ejection head, the liquid is contained in the container portion such that a liquid level of the liquid in the container portion is located at a higher position than a nozzle of the liquid ejection head in a vertical direction. In the attitude that the liquid is ejectable from the liquid election head, the inlet port is covered by the casing.