Inkjet Flow Path Coupling Mechanism for Leak-Resistant Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in efficiently connecting and securing tubular components for ink circulation, leading to potential leaks and increased manufacturing costs due to the use of adhesives and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A flow path connection mechanism using rotatable coupling members with concavo-convex structures and guide grooves, along with laser welding for secure attachment, minimizes leaks and reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive bonding is used to connect tubular components, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and production time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adhesive bonding (chemical connection) with laser welding (thermal/mechanical connection) to join the coupling members. This substitution eliminates the need for adhesives, reducing manufacturing costs and production time while maintaining or improving connection strength through direct metallurgical bonding of the tubular components.
2Reliability
If complex assembly processes are used to secure tubular components, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are divided into distinct segments (first coupling member, second coupling member, and connection member) with standardized interfaces. Each segment can be manufactured independently and assembled through a simple sequence of operations: positioning, laser welding, and rotation, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member is designed to be rotatable about the center axis, introducing a dynamic element to the assembly process. This rotation capability simplifies the alignment and connection of tubular components by allowing angular adjustment during assembly, reducing the precision requirements for initial positioning and simplifying the overall assembly procedure.
3Ease of operation
If traditional connection methods are used, then assembly simplicity is maintained, but ink leakage occurs due to poor coaxiality
Solution Approach 1:
Laser welding replaces traditional mechanical connection methods, providing precise and consistent joints that ensure good coaxiality between coupling members. The laser welding process creates strong, leak-proof connections while maintaining the simplicity of the assembly operation, as the welding can be performed automatically with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable connection member allows for dynamic alignment adjustment during assembly, ensuring that the tubular components are properly coaxial before final securing. This rotational freedom simplifies the assembly process by allowing operators to easily align components while achieving the precise coaxiality needed to prevent ink leakage.
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
The mechanism ensures reliable ink circulation with reduced leakage and lower production costs by enhancing coaxiality and stability between coupling members, while simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
The connection member has a cylindrical shape centered about the center axis and is mounted to the second coupling member so as to be rotatable about the center axis. One of the first coupling member and the connection member includes a connecting protrusion protruding in a radial direction, and the other of the first coupling member and the connection member has a connecting hole into which the connecting protrusion is insertable in the radial direction.
Implementation Method 2
The first and second coupling members each include a concavo-convex structure having irregularities in the axis direction. The concavo-convex structure is provided in each of parts of the first and second coupling members opposed to each other in the axis direction. The first coupling member is inserted into the connection member, and thus the respective concavo-convex structures of the first and second coupling members engage with each other in a circumferential direction.
Implementation Method 3
The connection member has a guide groove. The guide groove is recessed from an inner circumferential surface of the connection member to a radial outer side thereof and extends in the axis direction from an end surface of the connection member on a connection side with the first coupling member to reach the connecting hole. When the first coupling member is inserted into or pulled out from inside the connection member, the connecting protrusion is fitted into the guide groove and passes through the guide groove in the axis direction.
Data Source
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AI summary
A first coupling member (1) includes a connecting protrusion (10). The first coupling member (1) is inserted into a connection member (3), and thus respective concavo-convex structures (R, R1, R2) of the first coupling member (1) and a second coupling member (2) engage with each other in a circumferential direction. The connection member (3) has a guide groove (300). A rotation angle of the connection member (3) by which the connection member (3) is rotated from a state where the connecting protrusion (10) fitted into the guide groove (300) abuts on one side surface of the guide groove (300) in the circumferential direction to a state where the connecting protrusion (10) abuts on the other side surface of the guide groove (300) in the circumferential direction is not less than 1/2 of a prescribed periodic angle.