Liquid Supplying Device Buffer Chamber Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image recording apparatuses face challenges in performing effective gas-liquid substitution, leading to incomplete ink replenishment in the sub tank, as the capillary pressure is uniform, causing the meniscus to remain unbroken and preventing ink flow in the liquid flow passage, thus hindering continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a liquid supplying device with a tank, a cartridge, and a buffer tank, where the buffer chamber is positioned below the first storage chamber, and the second storage chamber is below the buffer chamber, allowing for communication through a single passage, enabling efficient gas-liquid substitution and ink replenishment by adjusting the opening positions of the gas and liquid passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the liquid flow passage is formed by a cylindrical inner surface, then the capillary pressure is uniform in the circumferential direction, but the meniscus is hardly broken and ink flow is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an asymmetric groove structure on the inner surface of the cylindrical liquid flow passage. This groove breaks the circumferential symmetry, creating a preferential path for meniscus rupture and ink flow initiation, thereby resolving the contradiction between uniform capillary pressure and effective ink flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove is positioned at a specific location within the cylindrical surface, creating a localized region with different capillary properties. This local modification allows the meniscus to concentrate and break at the groove position, enabling ink flow while maintaining uniform pressure distribution elsewhere in the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gas flow passage opening is positioned higher than the liquid flow passage opening, then gas-liquid substitution is enabled, but incomplete ink replenishment occurs due to ineffective meniscus breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric groove structure in the liquid flow passage works in conjunction with the vertical positioning of the gas and liquid flow passage openings. The groove creates a controlled rupture point that enhances the gas-liquid substitution effect, allowing complete ink replenishment from the cartridge to the sub tank by facilitating effective meniscus breaking during the substitution process.
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 configuration ensures continuous ink supply to the recording head by allowing ink to flow from the cartridge to the sub tank through gas-liquid substitution, maintaining the ink level and enabling uninterrupted printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer chamber configured to store gas, a single communication flow passage allowing the buffer chamber to communicate with the second storage chamber
Implementation Method 2
The capillary pressure in liquid exerted on the cylindrical surface is uniform in its circumferential direction. Since the capillary pressure is unbiased in the circumferential direction, the meniscus of liquid, which is curvature of the liquid surface, is hardly broken.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, the disclosure provides an image recording apparatus including a liquid supplying device. The liquid supplying device includes a tank, a cartridge, an atmospheric communication portion, and a recording portion. The tank has a second storage chamber configured to store liquid, a liquid passage in communication with the second storage chamber, and a gas passage in communication with the second storage chamber. The atmospheric communication portion includes a buffer tank defining a buffer chamber configured to store gas, a single communication flow passage allowing the buffer chamber to communicate with the second storage chamber, and an air communication passage allowing the buffer chamber to communicate with an atmosphere. When the cartridge is attached to the tank, the buffer chamber is positioned below the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber is positioned below the buffer chamber.