Ink Tank Rotation Shaft Positioning to Prevent Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink tanks face a risk of liquid leakage due to the through hole for the rotation shaft being positioned below the liquid level, which can lead to ink leakage from aged or deformed seal members.
Innovation Solution
The rotation shaft and through hole are positioned above the upper limit indicator, reducing the likelihood of ink leakage by ensuring the seal member is above the ink level, even when the ink is at maximum capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the through hole for the rotation shaft is positioned below the liquid level to facilitate valve operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to ink leakage risk from aged or deformed seal members
Solution Approach 1:
The through hole and rotation shaft are extracted from the liquid storage chamber, removing the source of leakage risk. The valve operation function is maintained through an alternative mechanism that does not require a through hole penetrating the liquid storage chamber wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is segmented into two separate locations: the valve body remains in the liquid storage chamber while the rotation shaft and through hole are relocated to the valve cover outside the chamber. This segmentation isolates the leakage-prone through hole from the liquid environment.
2Ease of operation
If the rotation shaft extends through the liquid storage chamber wall to enable valve control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen due to potential ink leakage from the through hole area
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation shaft is extracted from the liquid storage chamber and relocated to the valve cover. This removes the rotation shaft from the liquid environment, eliminating the harmful effect of potential ink leakage around the rotation shaft while preserving its rotational function for valve control.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve cover acts as an intermediary structure that houses the rotation shaft and through hole outside the liquid storage chamber. This intermediary placement allows the rotation shaft to perform its control function while being isolated from the liquid, preventing direct contact between the rotation shaft area and the ink.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink tank includes: a first liquid storage chamber having a lower limit indicator; a second liquid storage chamber; a liquid inlet communicated with the first liquid storage chamber; a cap openable or closeable the liquid inlet; a rotation shaft extending from an inside of the first liquid storage chamber to an outside through a through hole provided on a side wall of the first liquid storage chamber; a valve member opening or closing the communication passage; a first lever arm rotatable around the rotation shaft and connected to the valve member; a second lever arm provided outside the ink tank and rotatable around the rotation shaft; and a slider member connected to the second lever arm and movable in conjunction with the cap, the through hole being provided at a position above the lower limit indicator.