Liquid Consuming Device Absorbent Interlock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid consuming devices face challenges in achieving a smooth flow of liquid due to limited contact areas between absorbents, leading to potential liquid leakage and contamination, especially when trying to transfer a large amount of liquid in a short time.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a configuration where a first absorbent with a recessed portion mates with a second absorbent having a protruding portion, increasing the contact area and improving liquid movement efficiency, while also using nonwoven fabrics with varying densities to enhance capillary forces and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the contact area between absorbents is increased to enable large amount of liquid flow in short time, then liquid flow speed is improved, but liquid leakage occurs at the connecting portion
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbents are divided into multiple segments (first absorbent and second absorbent) with protruding and recessed portions that interlock. This segmentation allows for increased total contact area through multiple contact points while maintaining structural integrity at each connection point, preventing liquid leakage even with high liquid flow rates.
2Device complexity
If the connection area is limited to planar portion area or deformable area, then device complexity is reduced, but liquid flow time increases and liquid may overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure employs asymmetric protruding and recessed portions rather than symmetric planar contacts. This asymmetric design increases the effective contact area between absorbents while maintaining a simple overall structure, enabling rapid liquid flow without requiring complex connection mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If absorbents are connected by pressing tip against planar portion, then manufacturing precision is improved, but contact area is limited and liquid flow is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure transitions from two-dimensional planar contact to three-dimensional interlocking contact with protruding and recessed portions. This dimensional change significantly increases the contact area between absorbents while maintaining manufacturing precision, enabling efficient liquid flow through enhanced capillary action across multiple contact surfaces.
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 enables efficient and rapid liquid transfer between storage units, reducing the risk of contamination and allowing for easy replacement of absorbents, thus providing a smooth flow of liquid and minimizing external leakage.
Implementation Method 1
liquid moving from the first storage unit to the second storage unit, wherein the first absorbent and the second absorbent are connected to each other
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a liquid consuming device capable of causing liquid to flow smoothly and reducing contamination of the device and its surroundings, a first absorbent provided in a fixed waste liquid storage unit is connected to a second absorbent provided in a movable waste liquid storage unit by mating of a recessed portion with a protruding portion at the connecting portion between the first absorbent and the second absorbent.