Ink Tank Venting Structure for Pressure Equalization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink tank venting structures fail to effectively equate pressure between the interior of the ink tank and the external environment, leading to issues with fluid flow and meniscus formation that can block gas exchange.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of venting structures with specific geometries, such as meniscus baffles and serpentine trenches, that include orifices, inclined projections, and ridges with non-circular cross-sections, along with convex distributors, to disrupt meniscus formation and facilitate fluid communication between the ink tank and the external environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple venting orifice is used, then the structure is simple, but meniscus formation blocks the orifice and prevents effective pressure equalization
Solution Approach 1:
The venting structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: an inclined projection with non-circular cross-section that divides the flow path, multiple ledges at different heights, and a convex distributor. This segmentation prevents meniscus formation by creating multiple flow paths and disrupting capillary action, while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting orifice is transitioned into a three-dimensional inclined projection with varying cross-sectional geometry. The projection extends into the ink tank interior at an angle, creating vertical and horizontal flow components. This dimensional transformation prevents horizontal meniscus formation while maintaining vertical pressure equalization capability.
2Reliability
If the venting orifice is made larger to prevent meniscus blocking, then gas exchange improves, but ink leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the venting structure have different geometric properties optimized for specific functions. The inclined projection has a non-circular cross-section that varies along its length, with ledges positioned at specific heights. The convex distributor has a specific curvature radius. These localized geometric variations create surface tension effects that prevent ink leakage while maintaining adequate gas exchange pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional geometry of the venting structure changes along the flow path. The inclined projection transitions from a smaller cross-section at the ink tank interface to a larger cross-section at the exterior, with specific non-circular shapes at intermediate points. This parameter variation creates capillary pressure gradients that control fluid flow direction, preventing both meniscus blocking and ink leakage.
3Reliability
If traditional venting structures are used, then manufacturing is simple, but they fail to disrupt meniscus formation and block fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined projection incorporates ledges and non-circular cross-sections that create a porous-like flow path structure. The multiple ledges at different heights create numerous small flow channels rather than a single open passage. This porous flow path structure disrupts meniscus formation effectively while remaining manufacturable through standard injection molding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The convex distributor incorporates a curved surface with a specific radius of curvature. The inclined projection also features smooth transitions between sections rather than sharp corners. These curved geometries disrupt capillary action and prevent meniscus formation at critical interfaces, while being compatible with conventional manufacturing processes.
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
These structures prevent meniscus formation, ensuring unobstructed gas exchange and fluid flow, thereby maintaining pressure equilibrium and enhancing the functionality of inkjet cartridges.
Implementation Method 1
a meniscus baffle extending into the interior of the ink container... cooperate to define a plurality of holes feeding into the orifice, where at least one of the plurality of holes transitions into an open trough vertically inclined within the interior of the ink tank
Implementation Method 2
venting structure comprising an orifice through a wall of the ink container in direct communication with a meniscus baffle... to equate the pressure between the interior of the ink tank and an external environment
Implementation Method 3
the proximal end of the meniscus baffle includes a convex distributor inset within the orifice of the ink container... the convex distributor includes at least one of a conical shape and a domed shape
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet cartridge having an ink container including a venting structure with an orifice through a wall of the ink container in direct communication with a meniscus baffle extending into the interior of the ink container. An inkjet cartridge lid including serpentine trenches and orifices formed within a top surface. At least one of the serpentine trenches intersects with at least one of the orifices. The venting structure includes a corridor interposing at least two separate ink reservoirs and including opposing first and second ends. The first end of the corridor resides in communication with an external environment while the second end is partitioned to establish a separate passage in communication with each of the at least two separate ink reservoirs, each passage including a hollow extending into an interior of the ink reservoir.