Ink-jet Recording Apparatus Selective Pressurization

Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity in controlling pump mechanisms and increased size of ink jet recording apparatuses due to the provision of separate pressurization sections for each main tank.

Innovation Solution

An ink jet recording apparatus with multiple main tanks and sub-tanks, where a single pressurization section and switching unit selectively apply pressure to the main tanks, simplifying the configuration and reducing the overall size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pump mechanism is provided for each main tank, then ink can be supplied from each main tank independently, but the structure for controlling pump mechanisms becomes complex and the size of the ink jet recording apparatus is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent ink supply capabilityVSAvoidcontrol structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple pump mechanisms are merged into a single pump mechanism. The patent employs one pump mechanism that can selectively supply ink to multiple main tanks through switching valves, eliminating the need for separate pump mechanisms for each main tank. This reduces the number of components and simplifies the control structure while maintaining the capability to independently supply ink from each main tank.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single pump mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively supplying ink to different main tanks. The switching valves enable the pump mechanism to switch between different main tanks, allowing one component to serve multiple purposes and replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a pump mechanism is provided for each main tank, then ink can be supplied from each main tank independently, but the size of the ink jet recording apparatus is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent ink supply capabilityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple pump mechanisms are merged into a single pump mechanism. The patent employs one pump mechanism that can selectively supply ink to multiple main tanks through switching valves, eliminating the need for separate pump mechanisms for each main tank. This reduces the number of components and simplifies the control structure while maintaining the capability to independently supply ink from each main tank.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single pump mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively supplying ink to different main tanks. The switching valves enable the pump mechanism to switch between different main tanks, allowing one component to serve multiple purposes and replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If separate pressurization sections are provided for each sub-tank, then each sub-tank can be pressurized independently, but the configuration becomes more complex and size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent pressurization controlVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple pressurization sections are merged into a single pressurization section. The patent uses one pressurization section with switching valves that can selectively apply pressure to different sub-tanks, eliminating the need for separate pressurization sections for each sub-tank. This reduces component count and simplifies the overall configuration while maintaining independent pressurization control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single pressurization section is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively pressurizing different sub-tanks. The switching valves enable the pressurization section to switch between different sub-tanks, allowing one component to serve multiple purposes and replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 simplifies the structure and reduces the size of the ink jet recording apparatus by allowing selective pressure application to multiple main tanks, achieving a more compact design.

Implementation Method 1

a pressurization section for pressurizing the ink in said main tanks and thereby supplying the ink in said main tanks to said sub-tanks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurization: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

a switching unit for applying the pressure from said pressurization section selectively onto the plurality of main tanks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure application: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS7654656B2Ink-jet recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2010.02.02 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A switching unit is provided near a tube for connecting an atmosphere communicating section of an ink cartridge to a charge tank. This switching unit comprises: a base; and a pressing mechanism arranged inside the base and capable of individually pressing tubes, so that the switching unit can apply the pressure from the charge tank and the tube pump selectively onto a plurality of the ink cartridges.