Liquid Ejection Supply-Path Closure for Transport Leak Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses face the risk of liquid leakage during transportation due to unintentional or erroneous manual operation of the opening and closing mechanism in a power-off state, leading to potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with an opening and closing mechanism that automatically switches between open and closed states based on power status, preventing manual operation when power is off to prevent liquid leakage during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual operation section (lever) is provided to enable users to close the supply flow path, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of unintentional or erroneous operation in power-off state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an automated control system. The opening and closing mechanism is controlled automatically based on power status detection, eliminating the need for manual lever operation. This substitution of mechanical manual control with an automated electromechanical system resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational capability while preventing erroneous manual operations during power-off states.
2Ease of operation
If the opening and closing mechanism remains manually operable in power-off state, then ease of operation is maintained, but liquid leakage occurs during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated control that detects power status. When power is off, the system automatically maintains the flow path closed, preventing liquid leakage during transportation. This eliminates the harmful effect of liquid leakage while preserving operational ease through automatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically closing the supply flow path before transportation begins (when power is turned off). This advance action ensures the flow path is sealed in advance, preventing liquid leakage during subsequent transportation without requiring manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation is enabled in power-off state, then adaptability is improved, but malfunction risk increases due to erroneous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that adapts to power status. The system maintains adaptability by automatically adjusting the flow path state based on whether power is on or off, while eliminating malfunction risk through removal of manual operation capability during power-off states.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejection section configured to print by discharging a liquid from a nozzle, a liquid container having an accommodation chamber that stores liquid and an injection port that communicates with the accommodation chamber and into which the liquid is configured to be injectable from the outside, a supply flow path communicating between the liquid ejection section and the liquid container, and an opening and closing mechanism. The opening and closing mechanism that is configured to switch such that an open state in which the supply flow path is opened and a closed state in which the supply flow path is closed when power is turned on and not to switch when power is turned off.