Liquid Container Air Bubble Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid containers for liquid ejecting apparatuses, air bubbles entering through connections between the liquid containing chamber and the liquid detecting device can mix with the liquid, leading to false detection and deterioration, as well as structural issues due to detachable components.
Innovation Solution
A liquid container design that integrates the liquid supply and detection functions within a single unit, using a liquid supply portion with a check valve and a sensor in the liquid detection chamber to prevent air entry and ensure accurate liquid detection, with a flowpath structure that allows direct ink flow to the printer without passing through the detection chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the liquid containing chamber and liquid detecting device are structurally different and detachable, then the device can be assembled and disassembled easily, but air bubbles enter through the connection part and mix with the liquid causing false detection and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the liquid containing chamber and liquid detecting device into a single integrated structure where the liquid detection chamber is positioned directly within the liquid supply path. This eliminates the detachable connection between separate components, preventing air bubble entry while maintaining detection functionality. The liquid containing chamber now directly supplies liquid to the detection chamber without intermediate connection parts.
2Ease of manufacture
If the liquid detecting device is separate and detachable, then the structure is modular and easier to manufacture, but the connection part allows air entry and liquid evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid containing chamber and detection device into one integrated unit, eliminating the connection interface that allows air entry and liquid evaporation. The detection chamber is positioned within the liquid supply path such that liquid flows directly from the containing chamber through the detection chamber to the supply port, with no exposed connection surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the liquid detection chamber within the liquid supply path before the liquid reaches the external opening, creating a sealed liquid environment. This preliminary arrangement prevents air from entering the liquid path and eliminates evaporation surfaces, addressing harmful factors before they can occur.
3Reliability
If air bubbles enter through the connection part, then the liquid container becomes prone to false detection and liquid deterioration, but integrating components increases structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the detection chamber within the liquid supply structure, combining multiple functions (liquid containment, supply, and detection) into a unified component. This reduces the number of separate parts and connection interfaces, thereby lowering overall structural complexity while improving reliability by eliminating air entry paths.
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 design reduces the occurrence of air bubbles entering the liquid container, minimizes false detection, and prevents ink deterioration, enhancing the reliability and stability of the liquid supply system.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that is disposed in the liquid detection chamber and that outputs a detection signal which is used to detect the amount of the liquid in the liquid container
Implementation Method 2
a check valve that prevents a liquid from flowing to the liquid detection chamber from the opening, the check valve disposed in a downstream flowpath located downstream of the liquid detection chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid container, which is operable to supply a liquid to a liquid ejecting apparatus, includes: a liquid containing portion capable of containing the liquid; and a liquid supply portion one end of which is connected to the liquid containing portion and the other end of which includes an opening which opens outwardly, the liquid supply portion that allows the liquid to flow from the liquid containing portion to the ejecting apparatus, the liquid supply portion that includes a liquid detecting portion which is operable to detect an amount of the liquid in the liquid container and which includes; a liquid detection chamber that contains the liquid supplied from the liquid containing portion; and a sensor that is disposed in the liquid detection chamber and that outputs a detection signal which is used to detect the amount of the liquid in the liquid container.