Liquid Ejection Device Flow Path Elastic Body Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejection devices face issues with ink leakage due to increased connection points in the flow path, which complicates the alleviation of ink volume fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejection device with a flow path that includes an elastic body movably enclosed within it, which expands and contracts in response to pressure changes, reducing the number of connection points and thereby minimizing ink leakage while managing volume fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a buffer tank is provided in the flow path to alleviate ink volume fluctuation, then the volume fluctuation of ink in the recording head is reduced, but the number of connection points increases and ink leakage is likely to occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink volume fluctuationVSAvoidink leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer tank and compliance are merged into a single integrated component, reducing the number of connection points from multiple separate connections to just two connection points at the ends of the integrated component, thereby eliminating ink leakage at intermediate connection points while maintaining volume fluctuation alleviation functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated buffer tank and compliance structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a buffer tank for storing ink and a compliance element for absorbing pressure fluctuations, eliminating the need for separate components and their associated connection points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used in the flow path, then specific functions can be achieved, but the number of connection points increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path functionalityVSAvoidnumber of connection points

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components (buffer tank and compliance) are merged into a single integrated structure that performs all necessary functions within the flow path, reducing the number of connection points from multiple separate connections to just two endpoint connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device effectively alleviates ink volume fluctuations and suppresses ink leakage by using an elastic body that adjusts to pressure changes, reducing the risk of air entry and ejection failure, and minimizing the number of connection points in the flow path.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic body is movably enclosed inside the flow path... the elastic body expands and contracts in accordance with pressure of the liquid inside the flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240294015A1Liquid ejection device

Publication Date: 2024.09.05 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid ejection device 1 includes an accommodation section 11 configured to accommodate ink 12; a head 17 configured to eject the ink 12; and a flow path 20 that connects the accommodation section 11 and the head 17 and inside which an elastic body 201 is movably enclosed, wherein the ink 12 is supplied from the accommodation section 11 to the head 17 via the flow path 20 and the elastic body 201 expands and contracts in accordance with pressure of the ink 12 inside the flow path 20.