Inkjet Cartridge Sealing Element Using Polyurethane Gel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices for inkjet printer cartridges face issues with ink smearing and leaks due to vibrations, inadequate sealing of complex nozzle structures, high manufacturing costs due to different sealing elements for various cartridge types, and difficulty in visually inspecting nozzle plates for damage or dirt.
Innovation Solution
A storage device using a sealing element made of polyurethane gel with a polyurethane film or flexible PVC film that can adapt to various nozzle geometries without the need for centering spring elements, ensuring reliable sealing and long-term stability by absorbing relative movements caused by vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber-like sealing elements are used in conventional storage devices, then the nozzles can be sealed from the environment, but vibrations and shocks during transport cause relative movements between the nozzle plate and sealing element, leading to ink smearing and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the sealing element from rubber-like material to polyurethane gel with specific viscoelastic properties (loss tangent between 0.1-0.5, storage modulus 10^5-10^7 Pa). This parameter change allows the sealing element to absorb vibration energy and maintain sealing contact under dynamic conditions, preventing ink smearing and leaks while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite sealing element consisting of polyurethane gel combined with a polyurethane film or flexible PVC film. This composite structure combines the vibration-absorbing properties of the gel with the structural integrity and seal-forming capability of the film, effectively preventing ink smearing and leaks during transport while maintaining reliable sealing.
2Reliability
If conventional rubber-like sealing elements are used, then sealing can be achieved, but the contact pressure is either too low for reliable sealing or too great, destroying sensitive nozzle structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters to polyurethane gel with specific viscoelastic properties that allow it to deform and conform to the nozzle plate geometry, distributing contact pressure evenly. The gel's ability to flow into nozzle structures under controlled compression provides sufficient sealing pressure without exceeding the strength limits of sensitive nozzle structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic sealing mechanism where the polyurethane gel can adapt its shape and contact pressure in response to the nozzle plate geometry. The gel flows into protruding or recessed structures during insertion and maintains appropriate contact pressure, providing reliable sealing while protecting nozzle structures from excessive forces.
3Reliability
If different sealing elements are designed for different cartridge types (multi-color vs. monochrome), then each cartridge type can be sealed appropriately, but manufacturing and storage costs increase and confusion risk arises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal sealing element using polyurethane gel combined with a polyurethane film or flexible PVC film that can effectively seal different cartridge types (multi-color and monochrome) without requiring separate sealing elements. The gel's ability to adapt to various nozzle geometries and the film's flexibility enable a single sealing element design to serve multiple functions across different cartridge configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of polyurethane gel with polyurethane film or flexible PVC film creates a versatile sealing element that can accommodate different cartridge types. The gel provides adaptive sealing for various nozzle configurations while the film maintains structural integrity, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sealing elements and reducing manufacturing complexity.
4Ease of operation
If conventional storage devices are used, then cartridges can be stored, but visual inspection of the nozzle plate for damage or dirt becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a color-changing indicator that changes color when the sealing element is compressed during cartridge insertion. This visual feedback mechanism allows users to easily detect whether a cartridge has been properly inserted and sealed, and enables visual inspection of the nozzle plate condition without complicating the storage device structure.
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 solution provides optimal sealing without additional spring elements, supports various cartridge types, and allows for visual inspection of nozzle plates, reducing manufacturing costs and preventing ink smearing and leaks.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing element consists at least partially of a polyurethane gel... the gel-like material, with its physical properties that lie between those of a solid and a fluid... Since most known gel-like materials are not suitable for contacting the nozzle plate of an ink cartridge directly and sealingly without residue
Implementation Method 2
a separating material is preferably provided between the gel-like material and the nozzle plate; it is very particularly preferably a film material referred to below as the top film... The upper film is preferably designed as a polyurethane film or as a flexible PVC film
Implementation Method 3
the film can positively surround and seal very fine - also protruding or receding - structures of the nozzle plate with appropriate pretensioning without it being in the area of the 'Steps' of these structures would lead to the formation of folds and the associated leaks
Implementation Method 4
the carrier is designed such that when the ink cartridge is selectively connected to the carrier, the nozzle plate of the ink cartridge is pressed against the sealing element, the sealing element being compressed by a predetermined amount
Data Source
Figure 1~2d
Figure 3~7
AI summary
The device (10) has a supporter (12) designed for selective fixed connection with a cartridge. The supporter has a sealing element (14) designed for sealing nozzles in the cartridge against a surrounding area, when the cartridge is connected with the supporter. The sealing element is partially made of gel-type material i.e. polyurethane gel, which comprises an upper foil at a side that faces the nozzles. The upper foil is designed as a polyurethane foil or PVC soft foil or blue tape. The sealing element has a plane base surface at a rear side.