Liquid Container Channel Geometry for Faster Ink Replenishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ink replenishment systems in printing apparatuses suffer from slow flow-in speed of ink from the replenishing bottle to the ink tank, which affects user convenience.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus is equipped with a liquid container featuring a first channel for connecting to a replenishing bottle and a second channel with a specific shape portion that matches the sectional shape of the first channel, enhancing the flow-in speed of ink by reducing pressure loss and surface tension effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional channel structure is used for ink replenishment, then the structure is simple, but the flow-in speed of ink from the replenishing bottle to the ink tank is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is divided into multiple sections with different cross-sectional shapes. The first channel has a first cross-sectional shape and the second channel has a second cross-sectional shape that is different from the first, allowing each section to be optimized for specific flow characteristics while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the channel are given different cross-sectional shapes to optimize local flow characteristics. The first cross-sectional shape region and second cross-sectional shape region are designed with specific geometric properties to reduce pressure loss and surface tension effects at different locations along the channel
2Productivity
If the channel structure is simplified, then the manufacturing is easier, but pressure loss and surface tension effects reduce the flow-in speed
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-sectional shape parameters of the channel are optimized to reduce pressure loss and surface tension effects. By changing the geometric parameters between the first and second channel sections, the flow characteristics are improved while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
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 improves the flow-in speed of ink during replenishment, ensuring efficient and convenient refilling without ink leakage, even in varying postures and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing the flow-in speed of ink by reducing pressure loss and surface tension effects
Implementation Method 2
enhancing the flow-in speed of ink by reducing pressure loss and surface tension effects
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a liquid container. The liquid container includes a storage portion configured to store a liquid to be supplied to a discharge head that discharges the liquid, a first channel configured to be inserted into a replenishing bottle, which is configured to replenish the liquid to the storage portion, and to communicate with the replenishing bottle, and a second channel between the first channel and the storage portion, the second channel including, at an end portion on a side of the first channel, a first shape portion having a sectional shape common to a part of a sectional shape of the first channel.