Marker Pen Piston Regulates Internal Pressure for Consistent Ink Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing writing implements face challenges in maintaining consistent internal pressure, leading to unpredictable ink flow due to temperature changes, which can result in excessive ink discharge when pressure increases and reduced flow when pressure decreases.

Innovation Solution

A writing implement featuring a piston with a groove and seal that moves within the body to regulate pressure by adjusting the cavity volume, ensuring a constant flow of ink by allowing ambient air to enter or exit, thus maintaining a desired internal pressure regardless of temperature-induced pressure changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cavity volume is fixed to hold writing material, then the structure is simple, but the internal pressure cannot be regulated leading to inconsistent ink flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink flow consistencyVSAvoidpressure regulation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piston is designed to move dynamically within the body in response to pressure changes, automatically adjusting the cavity volume to maintain consistent ink flow. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the system to adapt to temperature-induced pressure variations without complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure regulation system operates autonomously through the piston's automatic movement in response to pressure changes. The seal component works passively with the piston to maintain pressure equilibrium, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control mechanisms while ensuring reliable ink flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the piston is made movable to regulate pressure, then the ink flow consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure controlVSAvoidmovable piston assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is positioned locally at the interface between the piston and the body's inner surface, providing pressure sealing only where needed. This localized sealing approach enables effective pressure control without requiring the entire piston assembly to be complex, as the seal handles the critical sealing function at the specific location where pressure regulation occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If the cavity volume is increased to accommodate more ink, then the ink supply is improved, but the pressure regulation becomes less effective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink capacityVSAvoidpressure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable piston dynamically adjusts the cavity volume based on pressure conditions, allowing the system to accommodate larger ink volumes while maintaining pressure stability. As ink is consumed or temperature changes occur, the piston moves to compensate, ensuring that pressure remains stable regardless of the total ink capacity in the cavity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 pressure regulating assembly ensures a consistent and controlled ink flow onto a work surface, preventing excessive discharge during pressure increases and maintaining flow during pressure decreases, regardless of the marker's orientation.

Implementation Method 1

The seal is positioned in the groove such that the seal prevents material from passing between the piston and the inner surface of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

The piston is moveable relative to the body in response to a pressure change within the cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-driven motion:

Data Source

PatentEP3445593B1Internal pressure regulating marker pen
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • EP3445593B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3445593B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3445593B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A writing implement is configured to dispense material onto a work surface. The writing implement includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface. The writing implement also includes a nib coupled to the first end. The nib is configured to allow the material to be dispensed onto the work piece. The writing implement further includes a pressure regulating assembly coupled to the body. The pressure regulating assembly and the inner surface define a cavity configured to hold the material. The pressure regulating assembly is moveable relative to the body in response to a pressure change within the cavity.