Liquid Storage Unit Bubble Removal via Segmented Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid storage units in liquid discharge apparatuses face challenges in reducing the frequency of bubble discharge from the storage chamber to the tank due to high air permeability, which increases the frequency of bubble removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid storage unit design that includes a first liquid storage chamber with a constant volume and a second liquid storage chamber with a deformable elastic member, where the volume of the second chamber is adjusted to discharge bubbles to the tank, reducing the need to deform the first chamber and thus minimizing air permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the liquid storage chamber is made thinner to secure flexibility for expansion and contraction, then the flexibility is improved, but the air permeability increases causing more air to enter the chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage chamber is divided into a first liquid storage chamber (with constant volume and thick structure for low air permeability) and a second liquid storage chamber (with variable volume and elastic member for flexibility). This segmentation allows each chamber to have optimized characteristics - the first chamber minimizes air entry while the second chamber provides the necessary flexibility for expansion and contraction to discharge bubbles.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the liquid storage chamber is made thicker to reduce air permeability, then the air permeability is reduced, but the expansion and contraction capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage chamber is divided into a first liquid storage chamber (with constant volume and thick structure for low air permeability) and a second liquid storage chamber (with variable volume and elastic member for flexibility). This segmentation allows each chamber to have optimized characteristics - the first chamber minimizes air entry while the second chamber provides the necessary flexibility for expansion and contraction to discharge bubbles.
3Reliability
If the entire liquid storage chamber is expanded and contracted to discharge bubbles, then the bubble discharge function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage chamber is divided into a first liquid storage chamber (with constant volume and thick structure for low air permeability) and a second liquid storage chamber (with variable volume and elastic member for flexibility). This segmentation allows each chamber to have optimized characteristics - the first chamber minimizes air entry while the second chamber provides the necessary flexibility for expansion and contraction to discharge bubbles.
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 design effectively reduces the frequency of bubble discharge to the tank by minimizing air entry into the first liquid storage chamber, enhancing the sealing performance and reducing the need for frequent bubble removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
the volume of the second liquid storage chamber is increased and decreased through the deformation of the elastic member in accordance with the pressure of the pressure control chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid storage unit including a first liquid storage chamber having a constant volume and being capable of holding liquid supplied from a liquid tank; a second liquid storage chamber communicating with the first liquid storage chamber; a pressure control chamber configured to change a pressure of the pressure control chamber through actuation of a pressure control unit; and an elastic member being configured to tightly partition the second liquid storage chamber and the pressure control chamber from each other and being deformable so as to increase and decrease a volume of the second liquid storage chamber in accordance with the pressure of the pressure control chamber. The elastic member is capable of removing bubbles in the first liquid storage chamber by increasing and decreasing the volume of the second liquid storage chamber through the deformation.