Liquid Cartridge Movable Valve Prevents Air Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording devices face issues with air entering the ink storage chamber, leading to ink quality degradation due to residual liquid and air mixing with ink in channels, which affects image-recording quality.
Innovation Solution
A liquid cartridge design featuring a movable member and connecting channel that prevents air from entering the liquid supply chamber by maintaining the detector in a non-detection position until the cartridge is attached, allowing external force to move the member and seal the channel, reducing residual liquid and preventing air ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the liquid storage chamber and liquid supply chamber communicate through a communication hole, then liquid can flow freely between chambers, but air enters the supply chamber when liquid level drops below the hole, degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable valve member that dynamically adjusts its position based on liquid level. When liquid is sufficient, the valve opens to allow flow; when liquid drops below the communication hole, the valve closes to prevent air ingress. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the system state to changing liquid levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member acts as an intermediary between the storage chamber and supply chamber. It selectively controls the communication path, allowing liquid to pass when appropriate while blocking air from entering the supply chamber. This intermediary mechanism decouples the direct communication hole from continuous operation.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a detector is provided to detect liquid state externally, then ink cartridge state can be monitored, but the detector must be moved between detection and non-detection positions requiring additional movable members
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed to serve dual functions: it controls liquid flow between chambers and simultaneously acts as a detector遮罩 (detector shield). When the valve moves to its closed position, it blocks external detection; when open, it allows detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detector positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the flow control function and detection control function into a single valve member. The same mechanical movement that regulates liquid flow also regulates detector accessibility. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant movable components.
3Shape
If the valve accommodation chamber is positioned higher than the bottom surface of the ink storage chamber, then liquid can flow by gravity, but air is introduced into the supply chamber when liquid level drops below the communication hole
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member dynamically responds to liquid level changes. As liquid is consumed and the level drops, the valve transitions from an open state (allowing gravity-driven flow) to a closed state (preventing air ingress). This dynamic behavior maintains the benefits of gravity flow while eliminating the harmful effect of air introduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member performs preliminary anti-action by closing before air can enter the supply chamber through the communication hole. When the liquid level approaches the hole, the valve proactively seals the passage, preventing air from mixing with the liquid in the channels before contamination can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cartridge includes: a liquid container including a liquid storage chamber; a liquid supply portion including a liquid supply chamber and first and second openings; a movable member; a sealing member; and a connecting channel. The first opening provides communication between the supply chamber and an exterior of the cartridge. The second opening provides communication between the supply chamber and the storage chamber. The movable member extends in the storage chamber and the supply chamber. The sealing member intimately contacts the movable member and the liquid supply portion continuously in a circumferential direction. The connecting channel is formed in the movable member and provides communication between a space in the supply chamber and the storage chamber so that liquid can flow therebetween. The connecting channel opens into the storage chamber at a position further downward than the second opening when the cartridge is in an attached posture.