Liquid Discharging Apparatus Cap Atmosphere Communication Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharging apparatuses face issues where external forces, such as movement or temperature changes, cause menisci in nozzles to deform or collapse when the apparatus is not in use, leading to instability and potential ink leakage.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharging apparatus with a head, reservoir section, and a cap that includes a first atmosphere communication path and a controller to manage the cap's position, ensuring the menisci are maintained by controlling the atmosphere communication state, preventing deformation or collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nozzles are covered with the cap during non-discharging, then the nozzles are protected, but external forces cause menisci to deform or collapse
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure equalization chamber is introduced as an intermediary space between the cap and the nozzle interior. This chamber communicates with both the cap's internal space and the nozzle interior through respective communication holes, allowing pressure equalization. The chamber acts as a buffer that absorbs external force impacts while maintaining menisci stability, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the liquid menisci.
2Reliability
If the atmosphere communication path is closed, then liquid leakage is prevented, but pressure buildup may deform menisci
Solution Approach 1:
The communication holes are selectively positioned and sized to provide localized pressure equalization. The first communication hole between the cap space and pressure equalization chamber, and the second communication hole between the chamber and nozzle interior, create localized pressure relief pathways that maintain overall liquid containment while preventing excessive pressure buildup that would deform menisci.
3Reliability
If the cap is fixed on the nozzles, then protection is provided, but menisci are vulnerable to deformation from temperature changes and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization chamber serves as a mediator that decouples the cap's protective function from the menisci's stability requirement. By allowing pressure equalization through the communication holes, the chamber enables the cap to remain fixed for protection while preventing transmission of temperature-induced and movement-induced forces to the menisci, thereby maintaining their shape stability.
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 solution effectively maintains the shape of menisci in nozzles even when the apparatus is not in use, preventing ink leakage and ensuring reliable operation during subsequent discharging processes.
Implementation Method 1
The reservoir section has a liquid reservoir chamber configured to store liquid and a first atmosphere communication path connecting the liquid reservoir chamber with outside
Implementation Method 2
menisci formed with the liquid in the nozzles may deform or collapse rather easily
Implementation Method 3
The second atmosphere communication path connects the covering space with the outside
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharging apparatus, having a head with a nozzle surface, a reservoir section having a liquid reservoir chamber and a first atmosphere communication path, a liquid flow path connecting the head with the liquid reservoir chamber, a first switching assembly to switch states of the first atmosphere communication path between a connecting state and a disconnecting state, a cap having a body and a second atmosphere communication path, a movable assembly to move the cap between a covering position and a separated position, and a controller, is provided. The controller is configured to control the head to discharge the liquid, and after discharging the liquid from the head, control the movable assembly to move the cap from the separated position to the covering position. With the cap being located at the covering position, the first atmosphere communication path is placed in the connecting state.