Laser-Welded Check Valve Flow Path Assembly Against Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid flow path members, such as check valve units, face durability issues due to disengagement caused by stress from pressurizing and depressurizing liquids, particularly in applications like inkjet printers, where the cylindrical valve seat is not effectively joined to the check valve installation section.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing a liquid flow path member that includes welding the first and second flow path members together, along with the check valve holding member, using laser welding to ensure a strong and durable connection, with the first flow path member and check valve holding member made of laser light absorbing materials and the second flow path member made of laser light transmissive materials, enhancing the assembly's resistance to disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the valve seat is simply installed in the check valve installation section without welding, then the assembly process is simple, but the valve seat disengages due to pressurizing and depressurizing stress, resulting in poor durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve seat and check valve installation section into a single welded assembly. The laser welding process combines these previously separate components into an integrated structure, eliminating the disengagement issue while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through automated welding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the joining method from mechanical installation to laser welding, fundamentally altering the connection parameters. This transition from friction-fit or snap-fit mechanisms to thermal fusion creates a permanent bond that withstands pressure cycles, directly resolving the durability problem.
2Strength
If laser welding is used to weld the first flow path member and check valve holding member together, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical joining methods (screws, clips, or friction fits) with laser welding technology. This substitution provides superior connection strength through metallurgical bonding while the automated nature of laser welding actually reduces overall manufacturing complexity compared to multi-step mechanical assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser welding process utilizes phase transitions of the material (solid to liquid and back to solid) to create strong bonds. The localized melting and rapid cooling creates a fusion zone that is inherently stronger than the base materials, achieving high connection strength through controlled thermal phase changes.
3Ease of manufacture
If the second flow path member is made of laser light transmissive material, then selective welding is enabled, but the material selection becomes more restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the second flow path member laser light transmissive while other components remain opaque. This localized material property change enables selective welding at specific locations without affecting the entire assembly, allowing precise control over which joints are welded while maintaining material versatility in other components.
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 method improves the durability of the check valve unit by preventing disengagement under pressure changes and simplifies the welding process, ensuring a robust and reliable liquid flow path.
Implementation Method 1
the first flow path member and the check valve holding member are formed of a laser light absorbing material, the second flow path member is formed of a laser light transmissive material
Implementation Method 2
A method for manufacturing a liquid flow path member, in which a liquid flow path member includes... a welding step for welding the first flow path member or the second flow path member, and the check valve holding member together
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a check valve unit as a liquid flow path member, in which the liquid flow path member includes, in a flow path direction of ink, a first flow path member constituting one side of a flow path, a second flow path member constituting another side of the flow path, and a check valve including a valve body configured to stop a backflow of the ink in the flow path and a check valve holding member configured to hold the valve body, the method includes a welding step for welding the first flow path member or the second flow path member, and the check valve holding member together, and also welding the first flow path member and the second flow path member together.