Liquid Container Filling Method for Inkjet Printheads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid container filling methods often result in issues with liquid volume detector devices due to air bubbles and blocked flow paths, and require separate ink filling for both the receptor and sensor, leading to inefficiencies and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the removal of the liquid receptacle from the container, filling it externally, and then resealing it within the container, which allows for easy filling without using the flow path of the liquid volume detector device and reduces the risk of leakage by managing the return check valve and using various sealing techniques such as heat bonding or ultrasonic welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If liquid is filled through the flow path of the liquid volume detector device, then the liquid container can be filled, but air bubbles enter the detector device causing measurement errors and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid receptacle from the liquid container during the filling process. By removing the receptacle containing the liquid volume detector device from the container, liquid can be filled directly into the receptacle without passing through the detector's flow path, thus avoiding air bubble contamination while maintaining the integrity of the detection system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by separating the sealing member from the container opening before filling, and removing the receptacle before liquid introduction. This preliminary preparation enables direct filling into the receptacle without compromising the detector device, and subsequent resealing completes the process safely
2Reliability
If the return check valve is activated during filling, then liquid flow is controlled, but the flow path is blocked preventing easy filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the receptacle containing the return check valve from the container during filling. This removal bypasses the valve's flow control function temporarily, allowing unrestricted liquid filling into the receptacle. After filling, the receptacle is reinstalled and the valve resumes its flow control function for normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary separation of the receptacle before filling to eliminate the blocking effect of the return check valve. This preliminary action enables easy filling, and subsequent reassembly restores the flow control functionality
3Device complexity
If the liquid receptacle is connected to the liquid container before filling, then assembly is complete, but liquid leakage occurs during filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary filling of the receptacle before connecting it to the container. The sealing member is prepared and separated from the container opening in advance, the receptacle is filled with liquid while isolated, then the sealing member is reattached to seal the container opening, completing the assembly without leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the filling process into distinct phases: preparation of sealing member, filling of receptacle while separated from container, and final assembly with sealing. This segmentation allows filling to occur in isolation from the container system, preventing leakage while maintaining structural integrity
4Quantity of substance
If ink is filled twice (once to receptor, once to sensor), then both components are filled, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filling operations for the receptacle and sensor into a single filling action. By filling the receptacle directly while it is separated from the container (before final assembly), the liquid automatically distributes to both the receptacle storage volume and the sensor measurement volume when the components are connected, eliminating the need for a second filling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary filling of the receptacle before final assembly with the container and sensor. This preliminary filling ensures that liquid is already present in the receptacle, and upon assembly, the liquid naturally distributes to the sensor through the connection interface, consolidating what would otherwise require two separate filling steps into one efficient operation
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 method simplifies the filling process, reduces the occurrence of problems with liquid volume detector devices, and minimizes ink leakage by allowing external filling of the receptacle before resealing it within the container, ensuring stable ink supply.
Implementation Method 1
sealing is executed by adhering the sealing member to the processed contact surface
Implementation Method 2
sealing is executed by adhering the sealing member to the processed contact surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid container manufacturing method including a storage container which is storable a liquid receptacle, and including preparing the liquid container for which a liquid housed in the liquid receptacle is supplied to the outside via a flow path inside a liquid volume detector device, filling the liquid in the liquid receptacle stored in the storage container, and connecting the liquid volume detector device to the liquid receptacle filled with liquid.