Inkjet Apparatus Backflow Prevention via Port Height Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in preventing ink backflow from the ejection port to the second storage part, especially when the sub ink tank is positioned higher than the ink container, leading to potential leakage and backflow issues due to inadequate water pressure control.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first and second storage part, with a first supply path connecting them and a regulation part to control ink flow, and a second supply path connecting the second storage part to the ejection part, where the discharge port is set above a predetermined level to prevent backflow, and the supply port is positioned lower than the discharge port to maintain optimal water pressure for ink ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the second storage part is positioned higher than the first storage part, then the water pressure of ink in the ejection part can be adjusted, but ink backflow from the ejection part to the second storage part may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical height dimension difference between the discharge port and supply port in the second storage part. The discharge port is positioned at a higher level than the supply port, creating a height-based flow control mechanism that prevents ink backflow while maintaining ejection pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink supply system is segmented into two separate paths: a first supply path from the first storage part to the second storage part, and a second supply path from the second storage part to the ejection part. This segmentation allows independent control of ink flow in each path, preventing backflow between segments.
2Reliability
If the discharge port is positioned at a higher level to prevent backflow, then ink backflow is prevented, but the supply port must be positioned lower which may affect ink flow stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension within the second storage part by positioning the discharge port higher than the supply port. This height difference creates a one-way flow control mechanism where ink can be discharged under pressure but cannot flow back to the supply port, ensuring both backflow prevention and flow stability.
3Productivity
If the ink surface level is maintained at a predetermined level to control water pressure, then ejection performance is improved, but the system complexity increases due to level control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains ink surface level and water pressure control through the inherent height difference between the discharge port and supply port in the second storage part. This passive height-based control mechanism eliminates the need for active level sensors or pressure regulators, achieving ejection performance improvement without increasing device complexity.
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 prevents ink backflow and leakage by maintaining the ink surface level within specific limits, ensuring consistent water pressure for ink ejection and maintaining the ink level in the second storage part, thereby ensuring reliable inkjet recording.
Implementation Method 1
the water pressure of the ink in the ejection part to be adjusted, so that leakage of the ink from the ink ejection port, and backflow of the ink from the ejection part to the second storage part, are prevented
Implementation Method 2
The discharge port is provided in the second storage part at a level higher than a predetermined specific position and lower than the ejection port
Implementation Method 3
The regulation part regulates a flow of the ink from the second storage part to the first storage part in the first supply path
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a first storage part, a second storage part, an ejection part, a first supply path, a regulation part, and a second supply path. The second storage part is provided higher than the first storage part. The ejection part includes an ejection port. The first supply path is used for supplying ink from the first storage part to the second storage part and has a discharge port which is provided in the second storage part at a level higher than a predetermined specific position and lower than the ejection port. The regulation part regulates a backflow of ink in the first supply path. The second supply path is used for supplying ink from the second storage part to the ejection part and has a supply port which is provided in the second storage part at a level lower than the discharge port.