Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Circulation Flow Channel for Filter Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

In liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as printers, foreign matter remains in the liquid supply flow channel during replacement of the liquid ejecting portion, leading to inefficient filtration and potential clogging, as the filter is replaced along with the portion and cannot effectively collect remaining foreign matter.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejecting apparatus with a circulation flow channel system that includes a liquid supply flow channel and a liquid return flow channel, coupled to a filter and a flow mechanism, which drives the liquid to flow through the supply flow channel towards the liquid ejecting portion for replacement, allowing efficient collection of foreign matter into the filter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the liquid ejecting portion is replaced without circulating the liquid, then the replacement process is simple and quick, but foreign matter remains in the liquid supply flow channel causing inefficient filtration and potential clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplacement speedVSAvoidfiltration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary liquid circulation through the flow mechanism before and during the replacement process. This preliminary action ensures that foreign matter is flushed out and collected by the filter in the outgoing liquid ejecting portion, preventing clogging in the new portion while maintaining efficient filtration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid circulation maintains continuous useful action by constantly moving liquid through the flow channel during replacement. This continuous flow ensures foreign matter is continuously flushed toward the filter, maintaining filtration efficiency throughout the entire replacement process without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Ease of manufacture

If the filter is replaced together with the liquid ejecting portion, then the filter replacement is simplified, but foreign matter remains trapped in the liquid supply flow channel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter replacement simplicityVSAvoidforeign matter accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and removes foreign matter from the liquid supply flow channel by circulating liquid through the flow mechanism. The foreign matter is flushed out and collected by the filter in the outgoing liquid ejecting portion, separating the harmful foreign matter from the system before replacement occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid acts as an intermediary medium to transport foreign matter from the liquid supply flow channel to the filter. By circulating the liquid, foreign matter is carried along and trapped by the filter, preventing accumulation in the flow channel while simplifying the replacement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If liquid circulation is implemented during replacement, then foreign matter collection is improved, but the replacement process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter collectionVSAvoidreplacement process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses its own liquid circulation system to perform the cleaning function during replacement. The flow mechanism, already present in the system, is utilized to flush and collect foreign matter, eliminating the need for separate external cleaning devices or complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The flow mechanism serves multiple functions: it maintains liquid supply during normal operation and performs foreign matter collection during replacement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, keeping the overall device complexity low while achieving reliable foreign matter removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables efficient collection and removal of foreign matter from the liquid supply flow channel during replacement, preventing clogging and ensuring effective filtration, thereby maintaining the apparatus's performance.

Implementation Method 1

a flow mechanism configured to flow the liquid in the circulation flow channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

a liquid ejecting portion having a filter configured to filter a supplied liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11230115B2Liquid ejecting apparatus and method of maintaining liquid ejecting apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting portion having a filter configured to filter a supplied liquid and eject the liquid filtered by the filter from nozzles, a liquid ejecting portion holding portion replaceably holding the liquid ejecting portion, a liquid supply flow channel coupled to the liquid ejecting portion so as to supply the liquid to the liquid ejecting portion, a flow mechanism configured to flow the liquid, and a control portion configured to drive the flow mechanism to cause the liquid to flow in the liquid supply flow channel toward the liquid ejecting portion in replacement of the liquid ejecting portion.