Liquid Ejection Apparatus Transport Mode Valve Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses face issues with unintended liquid supply from the first storage portion to the second due to vibration, leading to an elevated liquid level in the second storage portion.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first storage portion, a second storage portion, and a check valve that allows liquid flow from the first to the second storage portion but restricts flow in the reverse direction. A normal mode and a transport mode are selectable, with the transport mode closing the second open-to-atmosphere channel to prevent liquid supply due to vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the second open-to-atmosphere channel is opened to allow liquid supply from the first storage portion to the second storage portion, then the liquid ejection apparatus can operate normally with stable liquid flow, but vibration during transport causes unintended liquid supply and elevated liquid levels in the second storage portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the second open-to-atmosphere channel selectively openable and closable based on operational mode. In transport mode, the channel is closed to prevent vibration-induced liquid supply. In operation mode, the channel is opened to enable normal liquid flow to the second storage portion. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between ensuring stable liquid flow during operation and preventing harmful liquid supply during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state parameter of the second open-to-atmosphere channel from a fixed open state to a controllable state that can switch between open and closed. By controlling the opening/closing state of this channel based on the operational phase (transport vs. operation), the system adapts to different conditions and eliminates the harmful effect of vibration-induced liquid supply while maintaining normal operation when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the check valve restricts reverse flow from the second storage portion to the first storage portion, then liquid flow direction is controlled, but liquid supplied unintentionally to the second storage portion cannot be returned to the first storage portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the check valve's one-way flow control with a dynamically controllable second open-to-atmosphere channel. While the check valve maintains its function of controlling liquid flow direction, the second channel's ability to close during transport prevents unintended liquid supply in the first place. This dynamic control complements the check valve's static flow restriction, solving the problem of irreversible liquid level elevation in the second storage portion.
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 solution effectively prevents unintended liquid supply during transport, maintaining stable liquid levels and ensuring proper operation of the liquid ejection apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve configured to permit a flow of the liquid from the first storage portion to the second storage portion and restrict a flow of the liquid from the second storage portion to the first storage portion
Implementation Method 2
a first open-to-atmosphere channel configured to open an inside of the first storage portion to the atmosphere
Implementation Method 3
a second open-to-atmosphere channel configured to open an inside of the second storage portion to the atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a first storage portion capable of storing a liquid supplied from a liquid container, a first open-to-atmosphere channel configured to open the inside of the first storage portion to the atmosphere, a second storage portion capable of storing the liquid supplied from the first storage portion, and a second open-to-atmosphere channel configured to open the inside of the second storage portion to the atmosphere. The liquid ejection apparatus is configured to select either a normal mode or a transport mode. The normal mode is a mode in which the power is switched off with the first open-to-atmosphere channel open and the second open-to-atmosphere channel open. The transport mode is a mode in which the power is switched off with the first open-to-atmosphere channel open and the second open-to-atmosphere channel closed.