Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Connection Portion Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting systems have complex connection structures due to separate openings for ink supply and replenishment, leading to potential air bubble entry and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A simplified connection portion with distinct openings for ink supply and collection, where the ink supply opening is positioned below the collection opening to prevent air bubble entry, and the connection portion is designed to protrude from the attachment unit, facilitating easier insertion and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connection portions are provided for ink supply and replenishment openings, then each opening can be connected to its corresponding flow passage, but the connection portion structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated connection portion. The connection portion includes a first connection region for connecting to the ink supply opening and a second connection region for connecting to the replenishment opening, both within one unified structure. This merging approach maintains reliable connections for both flow passages while avoiding the complexity of having separate connection portions for each opening.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate connection portions are used for different flow passages, then each flow passage can be independently connected, but the overall connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portion is segmented into distinct connection regions within a unified structure. The first connection region connects to the ink supply opening and the second connection region connects to the replenishment opening. This segmentation allows independent connection for each flow passage while maintaining overall structural integration, thus providing adaptability without increasing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connection portion structure is simplified, then manufacturing and assembly become easier, but positioning accuracy for multiple flow passages may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portion employs asymmetric design in its internal structure to achieve precise positioning. The first connection region and second connection region are positioned at different locations and orientations within the unified connection portion, with asymmetric internal flow passage configurations. This asymmetric design ensures accurate positioning for multiple flow passages while maintaining a simplified overall structure that is easy to manufacture.
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 design simplifies the connection structure, prevents air bubbles from entering the ink ejecting head, and ensures efficient ink supply and collection, enhancing the reliability and ease of use of liquid ejecting systems.
Implementation Method 1
the level of the opening of the second flow passage is higher than the level of the opening of the first flow passage in a vertical direction. With this preferred mode, the liquid level in the liquid container is never below the level of the opening of the first flow passage when, for example, the liquid is sucked out of the liquid container through the opening of the second flow passage. Therefore, with this structure, it is possible to prevent air bubbles, etc. from entering through the opening of the first flow passage leading to the liquid ejecting head.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: an attachment unit to which a liquid container that contains liquid is attachable; a liquid ejecting head that ejects the liquid; and a connection portion that is provided on the attachment unit and is detachably inserted into a connection port of the liquid container. The connection portion has at least one opening of a first flow passage and at least one opening of a second flow passage separately. The first flow passage is a passage through which the liquid contained in the liquid container is sent to the liquid ejecting head. The second flow passage is a passage through which the liquid contained in the liquid container is sent, but not to the liquid ejecting head.