Ink Tank Cartridge Layout for Side-Loading Bubble-Free Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid supplying devices require vertical attachment and detachment of cartridges, leading to poor operability and potential gas bubbles returning to the tank, which affects the ink supply.
Innovation Solution
The device allows for attachment and detachment of cartridges in a direction crossing the vertical axis, with distinct openings for liquid and gas passages positioned differently to prevent gas bubbles from returning to the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cartridge is attached to and detached from the tank in the vertical direction, then the ink supply function is maintained, but the operability of cartridge replacement is poor and gas bubbles may return to the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical attachment-detachment direction to a horizontal direction. The cartridge is now attached to and detached from the tank in a direction crossing the vertical axis, which improves operability by allowing front-accessible replacement while maintaining the ink supply function through repositioned passage openings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment-detachment direction from vertical (one dimension) to horizontal/cross-vertical (another dimension). This dimensional change allows the cartridge to be accessed from the front of the printer while maintaining proper ink flow dynamics through strategically positioned passage openings
2Ease of operation
If the cartridge is attached to and detached from the tank in a direction crossing the vertical axis, then the operability of cartridge replacement is improved, but gas bubbles may float near the liquid passage opening and return to the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the liquid passage opening and gas passage opening at different locations on the cartridge. The liquid passage opening is positioned at a first location while the gas passage opening is positioned at a second location, creating localized functional zones that prevent gas bubbles from entering the liquid passage while maintaining horizontal attachment-detachment operability
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 cartridge replacement ease and prevents gas bubbles from re-entering the tank, ensuring continuous ink supply and improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the air in the sub tank having the same volume as the amount of introduced ink is introduced into the cartridge via the gas flow passage. Such a gas-liquid substitution is performed until the opening of the gas flow passage is blocked by ink
Implementation Method 2
the ink in the cartridge naturally drops via the liquid flow passage and is introduced into the sub tank
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid supplying device includes a tank and a cartridge. The cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the tank in an attachment-detachment direction crossing a vertical direction. The cartridge includes a first storage chamber. The tank includes a second storage chamber, a liquid passage, and a gas passage. The liquid passage has a first end, a second end, and a first extending portion. The second end is formed with a second opening open to an atmosphere. The first extending portion extends from the second opening in the attachment-detachment direction. The gas passage has a third end, a fourth end, and a second extending portion. The fourth end is formed with a fourth opening open to the atmosphere. The second extending portion extends from the fourth opening in the attachment-detachment direction. The second opening is at a position different from the fourth opening in the attachment-detachment direction.