Ink Tank Vent Passage Layout for Faster Bottle Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing systems face usability issues due to prolonged ink injection times when the aperture of the passage through which the ink flows is small.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet printing apparatus incorporates an ink tank with an injection assistance member featuring a first passage and a second passage, where the first passage has a larger sectional area and projects upward more than the second passage, facilitating rapid ink injection through gas-liquid exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small aperture passage is used for ink flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ink injection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ink tank is divided into multiple compartments (first storage compartment and second storage compartment) separated by a partition wall. Each compartment has its own passage (first passage and second passage), allowing parallel ink injection through multiple apertures simultaneously, thus reducing total injection time while maintaining simple individual passage structures
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall with multiple apertures is introduced as a vertical dimension element, transforming the single-passage design into a multi-passage three-dimensional structure. This allows ink to flow through multiple parallel paths, increasing the effective flow area without complicating individual passage geometry
2Device complexity
If a single passage with limited aperture is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single passage is segmented into multiple passages (first passage and second passage) with respective apertures in the partition wall. This segmentation enables parallel ink flow through multiple channels, significantly increasing the total ink injection rate and productivity while each individual passage maintains a simple, manufacturable structure
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall serves multiple functions: it separates the ink storage compartments, provides structural support to the ink tank, and contains multiple apertures that function as flow channels. This multi-functionality increases productivity without adding separate components, thereby maintaining device simplicity
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 reduces the time required for ink injection by ensuring smooth airflow and ink flow, enhancing usability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an ink can be supplied while gas-liquid exchange is performed between an ink supply container and an ink tank
Implementation Method 2
A user is thereby enabled to supply an ink to the ink tank without compressing the ink supply container
Implementation Method 3
a first passage defined by a first upper end portion and a first lower end portion, the first upper end portion opening toward the outside of the ink tank, the first lower end portion opening toward the inside of the ink tank
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printing apparatus includes an ink tank that contains an ink to be supplied to a printing head that ejects the ink, the ink being injected from an ink bottle. The inkjet printing apparatus further includes an injection assistance member including a first passage and a second passage. The first passage is defined by a first upper end portion opening toward the outside of the ink tank and a first lower end portion opening toward the inside of the ink tank. The second passage is defined by a second upper end portion opening toward the outside of the ink tank and projecting upward less than the first upper end portion and a second lower end portion opening toward the inside of the ink tank and larger than the first lower end portion in terms of a distance from the bottom surface of the ink tank.