Liquid Container Absorbent Material for Ink Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid containers for inkjet printers face issues with ink leakage due to vibrations, leading to soiling of the printer and operators, as ink can flow from the liquid containing chamber to the air containing chamber and escape through an open air port.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a liquid absorbent material around the open air port of the liquid container, which absorbs any leaked ink, thereby reducing the risk of soiling by positioning the absorbent material at least at the height of the open air port in the use orientation and ensuring it covers the open air port to effectively capture any escaping ink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an open air port is formed near the upper surface portion of the air containing chamber, then atmospheric air can be introduced into the liquid containing portion, but ink may leak out through the open air port when the container vibrates or rocks
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid absorbent material is introduced as an intermediary between the liquid containing portion and the open air port. This material absorbs any ink that leaks toward the open air port, preventing it from escaping externally. The absorbent material thus mediates between the need for an open air port and the risk of ink leakage.
2Productivity
If the liquid containing chamber and air containing chamber communicate via a communication portion, then air can be supplied to maintain liquid flow, but ink may flow into the air containing chamber and reach the open air port
Solution Approach 1:
The communication portion that allows ink to potentially leak into the air containing chamber is converted into a beneficial feature. The liquid absorbent material positioned in the air containing chamber absorbs any leaked ink, transforming the potential harm of ink flowing into the air chamber into a controlled situation where the ink is contained and absorbed, preventing external leakage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the open air port is positioned for easy air access, then atmospheric air can be readily introduced, but the risk of ink reaching the open air port increases during vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid absorbent material is positioned in advance around the open air port to provide cushioning protection. Before any ink can leak out and cause soiling, the absorbent material is already in place to absorb the ink, thus cushioning against the potential harmful effect of ink leakage during container vibration.
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 liquid absorbent material effectively suppresses the possibility of soiling by reliably absorbing any ink that leaks out from the open air port, maintaining a low risk of ink leakage and contamination, even when the container is inverted.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid absorbent material that is arranged at least in a portion of a periphery of the open air port and is absorbing the liquid
Implementation Method 2
the liquid absorbent material covers the open air port, and an opening portion that is open to atmospheric air is formed in the liquid absorbent material
Data Source
AI summary
With a conventional liquid container, it is difficult to reduce the possibility of soiling with liquid caused by liquid leakage. Provided is a liquid container including a liquid containing portion containing liquid, a liquid inlet portion receiving injection of the liquid into the liquid containing portion, an open air port that communicates with the liquid containing portion and is introducing the atmospheric air into the liquid containing portion, and a liquid absorbent material that is arranged at least in a portion of the periphery of the open air port and that is absorbing the liquid.