Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Air-Liquid Interface Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejecting devices, foreign substances generated at the air-liquid interface can flow into the supply flow path when the air-liquid interface position changes, leading to contamination and printing issues.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with an adjustment mechanism that controls the position of the air-liquid interface within the liquid storage unit, ensuring the first filter is positioned below the interface to collect foreign substances, and a control unit to manage this mechanism, along with a second filter downstream to further capture any passing substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the air-liquid interface position changes in the air bubble chamber, then the amount of air storage is adjusted, but foreign substances generated at the air-liquid interface flow into the supply flow path causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A wick is introduced as an intermediary component between the air bubble chamber and the supply flow path. The wick absorbs liquid containing foreign substances from the air bubble chamber and transports it to a waste liquid storage, preventing these substances from entering the supply flow path while allowing the air-liquid interface to move freely for air storage adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the air bubble chamber for air storage, the supply flow path for clean liquid delivery, and a waste liquid collection system. The wick acts as a separator that divides the liquid flow paths, directing contaminated liquid away from the supply system
2Reliability
If the air-bubble chamber filter is positioned at the air-liquid interface, then foreign substances are collected, but the filter cannot collect substances when the interface is lowered below the filter position
Solution Approach 1:
The wick serves as a mediator that intercepts liquid flow before it can carry foreign substances from the air-liquid interface into the supply flow path. This allows the filter to remain in a fixed position while the wick ensures continuous collection of contaminants regardless of interface level changes
Solution Approach 2:
The wick is positioned to intercept and absorb contaminated liquid at the air-liquid interface before it can enter the supply flow path. This preliminary action prevents foreign substances from reaching the supply system, maintaining filter effectiveness across all air storage levels
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 configuration effectively prevents foreign substances from entering the supply flow path, maintaining print quality by ensuring the first filter remains below the air-liquid interface and utilizing a finer second filter to capture any substances that pass through, thereby reducing contamination and improving printing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The air bubble chamber is provided at the distribution flow path. The air bubble chamber is configured to store air bubbles contained in the ink.
Implementation Method 2
The air-bubble chamber filter is provided at a position between the air-liquid interface and the distribution flow path. Thus, the air-bubble chamber filter collects foreign substances generated at the air-liquid interface
Implementation Method 3
an adjustment mechanism configured to lift a position of the air-liquid interface in the liquid storage unit
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: an ejecting portion configured to be able to eject a liquid onto a medium; a supply flow path configured to be able to supply the liquid to the ejecting portion; a liquid storage unit coupled to the supply flow path and configured to be able to store the liquid, the liquid storage unit being a unit in which an air-liquid interface where the liquid and air are in contact is formed; a first filter provided lower than the air-liquid interface and configured to separate the supply flow path and the liquid storage unit; an adjustment mechanism configured to lift a position of the air-liquid interface in the liquid storage unit; and a control unit configured to control the adjustment mechanism.