Ink Replenishment Valve Geometry for Faster Bubble-Free Refill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink replenishment systems for printers suffer from prolonged replenishment times due to inefficient gas-liquid exchange caused by the design of the spring valve, which allows air bubbles to stagnate, delaying the ink supply.
Innovation Solution
The ink replenishment container features a valve body with a protrusion and seal member design that allows for a 110-degree angle between the inclined surface and seal surface, promoting smooth air circulation and reducing bubble stagnation, along with a closing portion to manage flow paths, enhancing the gas-liquid exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spring valve is designed with a protrusion having a sloped surface that expands outward, then the gas and liquid can flow along the sloped surface enabling smooth replenishment, but the air bubbles stagnate and the replenishment time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the protrusion by setting the angle between the inclined surface and the seal surface to 110 degrees or more, and controlling the cross-sectional area ratio between the two ends of the protrusion. These parameter modifications optimize the gas-liquid exchange efficiency, preventing air bubble stagnation while maintaining smooth flow, thereby reducing replenishment time without compromising operational smoothness
2Productivity
If the protrusion cross-sectional area is larger on the side opposite from the outlet, then the sloped surface expands outward facilitating gas-liquid exchange, but air bubbles accumulate and delay ink supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the protrusion geometry by controlling the cross-sectional area ratio and setting the inclined surface angle to 110 degrees or more. These parameter changes ensure that the sloped surface facilitates efficient gas-liquid exchange while preventing air bubble accumulation, thereby improving productivity without causing ink supply delays
3Reliability
If the seal member and valve body are designed to close the through-hole tightly, then sealing is improved, but the angle between inclined surface and seal surface affects bubble removal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains reliable sealing by ensuring the seal member contacts the valve body at the seal surface, while simultaneously optimizing the inclined surface angle to 110 degrees or more. This parameter change ensures that bubbles are efficiently removed from the sealing interface during the opening/closing cycle, reducing the time required for effective sealing without compromising seal integrity
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 design significantly reduces replenishment time and minimizes ink dripping by ensuring rapid ink supply and reducing the volume of residual ink, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the ink replenishment process.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member that biases the valve body toward the outlet side
Implementation Method 2
a seal member that closes the through-hole by being in contact with the valve body
Data Source
AI summary
An ink replenishment container includes a container main body, an ink outlet forming portion, and an outlet valve unit. The outlet valve unit includes a valve body, a spring member, and a seal member. The valve body includes a cylindrical portion, a seal surface, and a protrusion. The protrusion includes a partition contact portion and an inclined surface extending from the partition contact portion toward the seal surface. A cross-sectional area of the protrusion in a direction orthogonal to a central axis direction is larger on a side opposite from an outlet side than on the outlet side. An angle formed between the inclined surface and the seal surface is 110 degrees or more.