Liquid Storage Container Partitioning for Concentration Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid storage containers used in liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in maintaining uniform liquid concentration over time due to precipitation, leading to reduced fluidity and unstable supply, especially when left in a static state for long periods.
Innovation Solution
A liquid storage container is configured with a partitioning member dividing the storage chamber into multiple sections intersecting the gravitational direction, featuring communication flow channel units that introduce and supply liquid from different concentration zones to maintain uniformity, reducing concentration differences and ensuring stable supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the liquid storage container is left to stand in the same position for long-term storage or inactivity, then the liquid can be stored without active intervention, but precipitation develops further at the lower layer portion and concentration becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage chamber is divided into multiple independent sub-chambers (first, second, third liquid storage chambers) by partition walls. Each sub-chamber has its own liquid introduction portion and communication flow channel unit, allowing independent liquid supply paths that prevent concentration non-uniformity from affecting the entire storage system during long-term storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid introduction portions are positioned at different vertical heights within the liquid storage chamber, and the communication flow channel units are arranged to supply liquid from different elevation levels. This vertical dimensionality change ensures that liquid is introduced from multiple zones, preventing precipitation-induced concentration non-uniformity during storage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple liquid introduction portions are provided at different positions, then concentration uniformity can be maintained, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication flow channel units that would otherwise be separate and complex are merged into a single integrated communication flow channel unit. This unified structure supplies liquid from multiple introduction portions while simplifying the overall device architecture and reducing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication flow channel unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects multiple liquid introduction portions, supplies liquid to the liquid ejection head, and maintains concentration uniformity by integrating flows from different vertical positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
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 maintains a uniform liquid concentration, enhancing the stability and quality of liquid supply to the ejecting apparatus by reducing precipitation effects and fluidity issues, allowing for consistent performance even after long-term storage or inactivity.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid storage container for supplying a liquid to a liquid ejecting apparatus has been known. In a case where a liquid containing a precipitating component is stored in the liquid storage container, the concentration of the liquid in the liquid storage container may become non-uniform due to precipitation of the precipitating component.
Implementation Method 2
a partitioning member configured to divide a liquid storage chamber in a direction intersecting a direction of gravitational force
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid storage container is configured to supply a liquid containing a precipitating component to a liquid ejecting apparatus, including: a partitioning member configured to divide a liquid storage chamber in a direction intersecting a direction of gravitational force; a plurality of liquid storage chambers divided by the partitioning member; and communication flow channel units provided to the plurality of liquid storage chambers, respectively, and configured to introduce the liquid in the liquid storage chambers and to supply the liquid to the liquid ejecting apparatus.