Liquid Storage Container Filter Unit with Low Pressure Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatus technologies face challenges in smoothly supplying liquid while preventing the outflow of foreign matter and air bubbles, with conventional solutions either failing to effectively capture contaminants or causing obstruction due to air bubbles attaching to filters.
Innovation Solution
A liquid storage container design featuring a filter unit with a low pressure chamber adjacent to the filter chamber to absorb air bubbles, a flow path forming member that introduces liquid away from the filter, and a secure engagement mechanism to prevent the filter from dislodging, ensuring efficient capture of foreign matter and smooth liquid supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foam-like filter is used to remove foreign matter, then foreign matter removal is improved, but air bubbles attach to the filter causing obstruction of liquid outflow
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is divided into separate functional chambers: a filter chamber containing the foam-like filter for foreign matter removal, and a low pressure chamber for air bubble absorption. This segmentation allows each chamber to perform its specific function independently without interference, preventing air bubbles from attaching to the filter while maintaining effective filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The low pressure chamber acts as an intermediary between the liquid storage portion and the filter chamber. It absorbs air bubbles from the liquid before the liquid reaches the filter, preventing air bubbles from attaching to the filter surface and obstructing liquid outflow, thus maintaining smooth liquid flow while preserving filtration effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If no filter is used to simplify the structure, then device complexity is reduced, but foreign matter flows out to the liquid ejecting apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is designed as a nested structure where the foam-like filter is installed within the filter chamber, which is itself nested inside the liquid storage container. The filter chamber is further nested within the engagement portion that connects to the liquid supply portion. This nested design achieves effective foreign matter removal while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced. The foam-like filter and entire filter unit are constructed to be cost-effective and replaceable, allowing users to discard and replace the filter unit when it becomes clogged or ineffective, rather than maintaining a complex permanent filtration system.
3Ease of operation
If the filter unit is loosely positioned to ease installation, then ease of operation is improved, but the filter unit may detach under shock
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit employs a dynamic engagement mechanism where spring members provide continuous elastic force to maintain engagement between the filter unit and liquid supply portion. The engagement portion can dynamically adjust to shocks and vibrations while maintaining secure connection, allowing easy installation through simple insertion while preventing detachment under shock conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Spring members are pre-installed in the engagement portion to provide beforehand cushioning against shocks and vibrations. These springs are pre-compressed or pre-positioned to absorb impact forces that may occur during liquid storage container handling or liquid ejection operations, preventing the filter unit from detaching while allowing easy installation.
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 reduces the likelihood of foreign matter and air bubbles reaching the liquid ejecting apparatus, ensuring stable and uninterrupted liquid supply by efficiently capturing contaminants and preventing filter detachment.
Implementation Method 1
a low pressure chamber connecting to the interior of the liquid storage portion at a different position from the connection flow path, the low pressure chamber having pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. air in the liquid is absorbed by the low pressure chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid storage container includes a liquid storage portion configured and arranged to store liquid, and a liquid supply portion having a liquid supply flow path provided to supply the liquid in the liquid storage portion to a liquid ejecting apparatus. The liquid storage container further includes a filter unit arranged inside of the liquid storage portion and connected to the liquid supply portion. The filter unit has a first opening connecting to the liquid supply flow path, a second opening connecting to an interior of the liquid storage portion, a connection flow path connecting the first opening and the second opening, a filter chamber arranged in the connection flow path with a filter being installed in the filter chamber, and a low pressure chamber connecting to the interior of the liquid storage portion at a different position from the connection flow path and having pressure lower than atmospheric pressure.