Liquid Supply Apparatus Buffer Tank Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid supply apparatuses for printers face challenges in preventing liquid leakage due to environmental changes and require space-efficient designs to minimize installation area, while also allowing easy return of liquid from the buffer chamber to the storage chamber and reducing unused liquid.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supply apparatus with a separate buffer tank connected to the liquid tank via a connection channel member, where the buffer tank's bottom face is positioned higher than the liquid tank's maximum liquid level, allowing liquid to return and reducing leakage, and the tanks are configured to allow independent volume adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the buffer chamber is arranged above the liquid storage chamber, then liquid leakage is suppressed, but the installation area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical arrangement (buffer chamber above liquid storage chamber) to a horizontal arrangement where the buffer chamber is positioned at the side of the liquid storage chamber. This dimensional change allows the buffer chamber to be integrated into the side wall region, suppressing liquid leakage while minimizing the increase in installation area.
2Productivity
If the buffer chamber is positioned high, then liquid return is facilitated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the buffer chamber at the top (vertical arrangement) which would require complex drainage structures, the patent places the buffer chamber at the side of the liquid storage chamber with its bottom face at a specific height. This horizontal positioning with controlled elevation simplifies the liquid return path while maintaining efficient liquid recovery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate liquid tank and buffer tank are used, then independent volume adjustment is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid supply system into two separate functional components: a liquid storage chamber and a buffer chamber. The liquid storage chamber can be filled from the outside, while the buffer chamber is integrated into the side wall. This segmentation enables independent volume adjustment of each chamber, providing flexibility in system configuration while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
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 liquid leakage, allows easy return of liquid from the buffer chamber to the storage chamber, and reduces the overall size of the liquid supply apparatus, thereby minimizing installation area and optimizing liquid usage.
Implementation Method 1
The buffer tank has a buffer chamber whose bottom face is positioned at a position higher than a maximum liquid level of the liquid tank
Implementation Method 2
the buffer tank is connected to the liquid tank via the connection channel member, and is communicated with atmospheric air
Data Source
AI summary
At least some issues such as making it difficult for liquid to leak to the outside, making it easy for liquid contained in a buffer chamber to return to a liquid storage portion, and suppressing an increase in the installation area of the entirety of a printing apparatus is achieved. A liquid supply apparatus includes a liquid tank that contain a liquid, a connection channel member connected to the liquid tank, and a buffer tank that is configured separately from the liquid tank, is connected to the liquid tank via the connection channel member, and is communicated with the atmospheric air. The liquid tank includes a liquid storage chamber provided inside of the liquid tank, and a liquid inlet portion for injecting liquid into the liquid storage chamber. The buffer tank has a buffer chamber, bottom face of the buffer chamber is positioned at a position higher than a maximum liquid level of the liquid tank.