Liquid Stirrer with Reversible Pump for Compact Ink Agitation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid stirrers require a secondary container with a larger capacity than the ink cartridge, leading to space inefficiencies when used with large-capacity cartridges, as they need to maintain uniform ink density and prevent precipitation.

Innovation Solution

A liquid stirrer system with a removable first container, a second container of smaller capacity, a fluid path, a reversible pump, and a sensor-controlled system that ensures the liquid moves reciprocally between containers without exceeding the second container's capacity, allowing for compact design and regular ink agitation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a secondary container with larger capacity than the ink cartridge is used for stirring, then the ink can be effectively agitated to maintain uniform density, but the space requirements increase and the design becomes less compact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniform ink densityVSAvoidspace requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a larger secondary container to stir the ink, the patent inverts the approach by using a smaller second container that is connected to the first container (ink cartridge). The pump moves ink from the first container to the second container and back, creating a stirring effect with a compact design. This inversion allows effective ink agitation while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested arrangement where the second container is positioned within or alongside the first container structure. The pump system integrates both containers in a compact configuration, allowing the smaller second container to function within the space constraints of the larger first container, thereby reducing overall space requirements while maintaining stirring functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of stationary object

If the second container capacity is reduced for compact design, then space requirements decrease, but it becomes difficult to ensure proper stirring without the container going empty or exceeding capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace requirementsVSAvoidcontrol of liquid movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a sensor that detects the liquid level in the second container and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the pump operation based on this feedback, stopping the pump when the liquid level reaches predetermined thresholds. This feedback mechanism ensures proper stirring control even with a small second container, preventing it from going empty or exceeding its capacity, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite the reduced size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If pigment ink is stirred by moving it between containers, then precipitation is prevented, but the system complexity increases with additional containers and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of precipitationVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system in the patent serves multiple functions: it transfers ink from the first container to the second container, stirs the ink by creating circulation, and enables the sensor to monitor liquid levels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while still achieving effective pigment ink stirring and precipitation prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively maintains uniform ink density over time, preventing precipitation and allowing for a more compact design by ensuring the second container's capacity can be smaller than the first, thus reducing space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a reversible pump disposed on the fluid path; a sensor to detect an amount of the liquid inside the second liquid container, in which the liquid reciprocally moves between the first liquid container and the second liquid container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a sensor to detect an amount of the liquid inside the second liquid container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10124617B2Liquid stirrer and image forming apparatus including same

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A liquid stirrer includes a removable first liquid container to contain a liquid; a second liquid container having a capacity less than that of the first liquid container; a fluid path between the first liquid container and the second liquid container; a reversible pump disposed on the fluid path; a sensor to detect an amount of the liquid inside the second liquid container, in which the liquid reciprocally moves between the first liquid container and the second liquid container; and a controller to control the reversible pump, based on readings from the sensor, such that a moving amount of the liquid does not exceed the capacity of the second liquid container and that the second container does not go empty.