Liquid Container Flow Path Filtration for Foreign Substance Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid containers for inkjet recording apparatuses require a dedicated filter structure, increasing the number of components and size, which complicates the system and may lead to foreign substances reaching the liquid ejection apparatus, deteriorating image quality.

Innovation Solution

A liquid container with a bag body and a flow path containing a capturing unit extending in anti-gravitational or gravitational directions inside the peripheral wall to capture foreign substances without the need for an external filter unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated filter structure is installed in the middle of the liquid path, then foreign substances are prevented from reaching the liquid ejection apparatus, but the number of components increases and the liquid container size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of foreign substances reaching liquid ejection apparatusVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capturing unit is integrated directly into the flow path structure, merging the filtration function with the existing liquid container components. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated filter structure while maintaining the ability to prevent foreign substances from reaching the liquid ejection apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow path structure serves multiple functions: it transports liquid and simultaneously provides capturing units to filter foreign substances. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining reliability in preventing foreign substances from reaching the liquid ejection apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a dedicated filter structure is installed in the middle of the liquid path, then foreign substances are prevented from reaching the liquid ejection apparatus, but the liquid container size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of foreign substances reaching liquid ejection apparatusVSAvoidliquid container size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The capturing units are integrated within the existing flow path volume, merging the filtration function into the current structure rather than adding a separate external filter component. This approach prevents foreign substances from reaching the liquid ejection apparatus without significantly increasing the overall liquid container size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The capturing units are nested within the flow path structure itself, utilizing the existing internal space. This nesting approach allows the filtration function to be embedded within the current design, preventing foreign substances from reaching the liquid ejection apparatus while maintaining a compact liquid container size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If a capturing unit extending in anti-gravitational direction is arranged inside the flow path, then bubbles are captured effectively, but the flow path becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebubble capture effectivenessVSAvoidflow path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capturing unit is divided into multiple segments extending in different directions (including anti-gravitational direction) within the flow path. This segmentation allows effective bubble capture through gravitational and anti-gravitational components while maintaining a relatively simple overall flow path structure that can be manufactured efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Effectively prevents foreign substances from entering the liquid ejection apparatus with a simple configuration, reducing the risk of image quality deterioration while maintaining a compact design.

Implementation Method 1

a first capturing unit extending in an anti-gravitational direction or a second capturing unit extending in a gravitational direction is arranged inside a peripheral wall of the flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12528297B2Liquid container

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 CANON KK

AI summary

The object is to provide a liquid container that can prevent foreign substances from flowing into a liquid ejection apparatus with a simple configuration. The liquid container for containing liquid to be ejected by a liquid ejection apparatus, the liquid container includes a bag body configured to contain the liquid inside and a flow path for supplying the liquid contained inside the bag body to the liquid ejection apparatus, wherein, a first capturing unit extending in an anti-gravitational direction or a second capturing unit extending in a gravitational direction is arranged inside a peripheral wall of the flow path.