Negative Pressure Valve Layout for Inkjet Purge Clog Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in maintaining consistent ink ejection states to ensure high print quality, particularly during suction purge processes, where solid matter and air discharge efficiency is crucial to prevent clogging and maintain fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A negative pressure regulation valve with distinct first and second outflow holes of varying inner diameters and resistances is employed, allowing efficient discharge of ink, air, and solid matter by optimizing flow path resistances to prevent clogging and ensure smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single outflow hole is used in the outflow-side pressure chamber, then the structure is simple, but the discharge efficiency of solid matter and air is insufficient leading to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The outflow-side pressure chamber is segmented with multiple outflow holes (first and second outflow holes) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows different substances (liquid, air, solid matter) to be discharged through different pathways, improving overall discharge efficiency and preventing clogging while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
2Productivity
If the first outflow hole has a larger inner diameter, then liquid discharge efficiency is improved, but the flow path resistance for air and solid matter increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different outflow holes are designed with different inner diameters according to their specific discharge requirements. The first outflow hole has a larger inner diameter optimized for liquid discharge, while the second outflow hole has a smaller inner diameter suitable for air and solid matter discharge. This local differentiation of geometric properties ensures optimal performance for each substance type
3Reliability
If the second outflow hole has a smaller inner diameter, then air and solid matter discharge is improved, but the liquid discharge efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge function is segmented across multiple outflow holes with different characteristics. The first outflow hole handles liquid discharge with larger diameter for high productivity, while the second outflow hole handles air and solid matter with smaller diameter for improved reliability. This segmentation resolves the trade-off by distributing functions across multiple specialized pathways
4Reliability
If flow path resistance is not optimized, then the valve structure is simple, but clogging occurs and ink ejection consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path configuration is optimized with different inner diameters at different locations (first and second outflow holes) to create appropriate flow path resistance for each discharge pathway. This localized optimization of geometric properties ensures proper flow resistance control for different substances, preventing clogging and maintaining ink ejection consistency
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 valve design ensures efficient discharge of solid matter and air during suction purge processes, reducing ink and initial filling liquid amounts, and minimizing the risk of clogging, thereby maintaining consistent ink ejection and improving print quality.
Implementation Method 1
the valve member is inserted in the communication hole and movable, in accordance with change of pressure inside the outflow-side pressure chamber, between a closing position for closing the communication hole and an opening position for opening the communication hole
Implementation Method 2
a first flow path resistance generated when the first fluid passes through the first outflow hole is lower than a second flow path resistance generated when the first fluid passes through the second outflow hole
Data Source
AI summary
A negative pressure regulation valve includes an inflow-side pressure chamber, an outflow-side pressure chamber, a communication hole, and a valve member. The valve member is inserted in the communication hole and movable, in accordance with change of pressure inside the outflow-side pressure chamber, to a closing position for closing the communication hole and an opening position for opening the communication hole. The outflow-side pressure chamber includes, as a liquid outflow hole, a first outflow hole formed below the communication hole and a second outflow hole formed above the communication hole. In a case where a first fluid flows out from the outflow-side pressure chamber via the first outflow hole and the second outflow hole, a first flow path resistance generated when the first fluid passes through the first outflow hole is lower than a second flow path resistance generated when the first fluid passes through the second outflow hole.