Ink Tank Tube Orientation for Bubble Prevention
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid storage devices for inkjet printers face issues with air bubbles entering the ink supply flow path when the ink level is low, leading to potential negative impacts on ink ejection from the inkjet head.
Innovation Solution
A liquid storage device with a tank, an agitation blade, and a first tube is designed, where the lower end of the first tube extends in a direction different from the downward direction, reducing the likelihood of air bubbles entering the ink supply flow path and improving ink ejection by positioning the tube above the agitation blade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the propeller member is positioned near the ink surface to effectively agitate the ink, then the ink supply is maintained, but air bubbles are easily drawn into the ink and supplied to the inkjet head
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is designed to extend in the horizontal direction rather than vertically, changing the dimension of ink extraction. This allows the tube to reach into the ink without being directly exposed to air bubbles that rise to the surface, while still maintaining effective agitation through the propeller member's rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path acts as an intermediary structure that selectively transports ink while blocking air bubbles. By positioning the tube at an angle and extending it horizontally, the design creates a physical barrier that prevents air bubbles from entering the flow path while allowing ink to flow smoothly to the inkjet head.
2Quantity of substance
If the tube extends downward to reach the ink reservoir, then ink can be supplied, but air bubbles enter the flow path more easily
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the tube vertically downward, the design extends it horizontally at an angle. This dimensional change allows the tube to reach the ink reservoir effectively while avoiding the vertical path that air bubbles would naturally follow, thereby preventing bubble contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube is positioned asymmetrically at a specific angle relative to the vertical direction. This asymmetric positioning creates an optimal configuration where the tube enters the ink at an angle that prevents air bubbles from adhering to or entering the flow path, while still maintaining sufficient ink supply.
3Productivity
If the propeller member rotates at high speed to maintain ink supply, then ink flow is sustained, but air bubbles are more likely to be drawn into the flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path serves as an intermediary that filters out air bubbles while allowing ink to pass through. By designing the tube to extend horizontally rather than vertically, the structure itself acts as a barrier that prevents air bubbles from entering the flow path, even when the propeller operates at high speeds.
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 minimizes the entry of air bubbles into the ink supply system, enhancing the reliability and quality of ink ejection from the inkjet head, reducing the likelihood of faint or patchy printing.
Implementation Method 1
The agitation blade is disposed inside the tank, and is configured to agitate the ink stored in the tank
Implementation Method 2
A lower end portion of the first tube extends in a direction different to the downward direction
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid storage device includes a tank, an agitation blade, and a first tube. The tank is configured to store ink to be supplied to an inkjet head. The agitation blade is disposed inside the tank, and is configured to agitate the ink stored in the tank. The first tube is configured to supply the ink stored in the tank to the inkjet head. A lower end portion of the first tube extends in a direction different to the downward direction.