Liquid Supply Unit Posture Control to Prevent Air Intake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid supply units face complications due to float valves sticking to communication ports when negative pressure is applied, requiring complex configurations to generate sufficient buoyancy, and there is a need for a simpler and more efficient mechanism to manage liquid supply based on remaining amounts.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supply unit with a liquid storage section, supply flow path, opening and closing section, and posture change section that adjusts the posture of the liquid storage section based on the remaining liquid amount, using a weight and pivot mechanism to open and close the supply flow path accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the size of the float valve is increased to generate sufficient buoyancy to overcome negative pressure, then the float valve can reliably open the communication port, but the configuration for positioning the float valve becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a float valve that relies on buoyancy to open the communication port, the patent inverts the approach by using the weight of the liquid itself to close the communication port when the liquid level is low. The communication port is positioned at the lower end of the liquid storage section, and when liquid decreases, the port automatically closes due to the absence of liquid pressure, eliminating the need for a complex float valve positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the float valve mechanism entirely from the system and replaces it with a simpler liquid-level-based automatic closing mechanism. By removing the float valve and its positioning requirements, the design achieves the same functional goal (preventing air intake when liquid is low) with significantly reduced complexity.
2Reliability
If a float valve is used to close the communication port when liquid remaining amount is low, then air intake can be prevented, but the configuration becomes complicated due to the need for positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage section performs the air intake prevention function automatically through its own structure. When liquid level drops below the communication port, the port closes automatically due to the absence of liquid pressure, and when liquid is sufficient, it opens naturally. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external float valves and positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an active mechanism (float valve) to prevent air intake, the patent uses a passive approach where the communication port closes automatically when liquid is low. The system inverts the conventional approach by letting the liquid itself control the port state rather than using a separate control mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the liquid storage section posture is changed based on remaining liquid amount, then the opening and closing section can control the supply flow path, but additional components are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the posture change function with the liquid storage section itself. The liquid storage section is designed to tilt automatically based on liquid weight distribution, and this tilting motion directly drives the opening and closing section to control the supply flow path. By combining these functions into a single integrated mechanism, no additional components are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid storage section uses its own liquid weight to drive the posture change mechanism. When liquid level changes, the center of gravity shifts, causing the section to tilt automatically. This self-service tilting motion is directly utilized to open or close the supply flow path, eliminating the need for separate actuators or control mechanisms.
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 simplifies the configuration of the liquid storage section by allowing it to adjust posture and control the supply flow path based on liquid levels, reducing the risk of air introduction and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a posture change section that changes a posture of the liquid storage section depending on a remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid supply unit includes a liquid storage section configured to store liquid; a supply flow path through which liquid in the liquid storage section flows out; an opening and closing section for opening and closing the supply flow path; and a posture change section that changes a posture of the liquid storage section depending on a remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section, wherein the opening and closing section opens and closes the supply flow path in accordance with a change in a posture of the liquid storage section.