Liquid Container Valve Design for Ink Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid containers for inkjet printers face challenges in maintaining constant negative pressure and preventing ink leakage due to internal pressure changes, which affects the efficiency and reliability of ink supply.
Innovation Solution
A liquid container design featuring a deforming portion that reduces internal pressure, with a sealing mechanism using a second sealing portion to close the air introducing hole, and a biasing portion to maintain negative pressure, ensuring the ink is not leaked even when internal pressure increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve is provided to the air introducing hole in an open type liquid container to prevent liquid leakage, then liquid leakage is prevented, but the apparatus becomes difficult to miniaturize due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air introducing hole closure function with the liquid out-flowing hole sealing function into a single integrated valve structure. The valve member simultaneously controls both the air introducing hole and liquid out-flowing hole, eliminating the need for separate components and enabling apparatus miniaturization while maintaining liquid leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member serves multiple functions: it seals the liquid out-flowing hole to prevent leakage, controls the air introducing hole opening/closing, and responds to internal pressure changes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall apparatus structure.
2Reliability
If an air chamber is separately provided between the air introducing hole and the liquid containing space to prevent liquid leakage, then liquid leakage is prevented, but the apparatus becomes difficult to miniaturize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the separate air chamber by integrating the air introducing hole directly into the liquid containing space with a valve-controlled opening. This merger removes the need for additional volume dedicated to an air chamber while maintaining liquid leakage prevention through the valve mechanism.
3Reliability
If a negative pressure generating unit is installed at the outlet side to maintain negative pressure and prevent liquid leakage, then liquid leakage is prevented, but the apparatus becomes difficult to miniaturize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-regulating valve mechanism that automatically responds to internal pressure changes without requiring an external negative pressure generating unit. When internal pressure increases, the valve closes the liquid out-flowing hole; when pressure decreases, the valve opens. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional negative pressure generation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is positioned to directly sense internal pressure changes and automatically adjusts its position to maintain pressure equilibrium. This feedback mechanism prevents liquid leakage by closing the liquid out-flowing hole when pressure increases, eliminating the need for external pressure control devices.
4Volume of stationary object
If the air introducing hole is opened to introduce air into the liquid containing space, then the liquid containing space volume is increased, but the negative pressure is decreased and liquid leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member acts as an intermediary between the air introducing hole and the liquid containing space. It selectively controls when air can enter, allowing volume expansion only when the liquid out-flowing hole is sealed. This mediation ensures that volume increase does not compromise liquid leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve closes the liquid out-flowing hole before air is introduced into the liquid containing space. This preliminary action prevents liquid leakage by ensuring the out-flowing hole is sealed in advance, allowing safe volume expansion when air is introduced.
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 design effectively prevents ink leakage and maintains stable negative pressure, ensuring consistent ink supply and reducing waste, while allowing for compact packaging due to the internal placement of the air introducing portion components.
Implementation Method 1
a deforming portion which is deformed in a direction in which a volume of the containing portion is reduced according to a decrease in an internal pressure of the containing portion
Implementation Method 2
a biasing portion which presses the second sealing portion toward the first sealing portion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a liquid container containing a liquid which is to be supplied to a liquid ejecting apparatus, including: a containing portion containing the liquid and including a liquid out-flowing hole for out-flowing the liquid to an external portion and an air introducing hole for introducing external air into the containing portion, and a deforming portion being deformed in such a direction that a volume of the containing portion is reduced according to a decrease in an internal pressure of the containing portion; wherein the air introducing portion includes: a first sealing portion disposed in a circumference of the air introducing hole inside the containing portion; a second sealing portion displaceably disposed inside the containing portion and capable of closing the air introducing hole by pressing the first sealing portion outwards; and a biasing portion pressing the second sealing portion toward the first sealing portion.