Membrane Divided Foam Ink Jet Cartridge Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low yield ink jet cartridges face issues with ink migration and depriming due to vibration and environmental changes, leading to insufficient ink supply, and require costly retooling for different ink volumes, complicating manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet cartridge design featuring a membrane divided foam structure with a first and second foam portion separated by a membrane, which inhibits ink flow and retains ink until dispensing, allowing for efficient ink distribution and reducing manufacturing complexity by using the same cartridge housing for varying ink volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one or more interior walls are added to create small interior compartments for low yield ink jet cartridges, then ink can be compartmentalized and dispensed properly, but manufacturing requires costly retooling and special molds
Solution Approach 1:
The foam material is segmented into multiple closed-cell units, where each cell acts as an independent ink retention compartment. This segmentation provides the ink compartmentalization needed for low yield cartridges without requiring interior walls or special molding, as the segmented foam structure is formed in-place within the existing cartridge housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam material parameters are changed by controlling the expansion ratio and cell structure during formation. By adjusting these parameters, the same standard cartridge housing can accommodate different ink volumes (high yield vs. low yield) simply by varying the foam expansion, eliminating the need for retooling or special molds for different cartridge types.
2Ease of manufacture
If low yield cartridges are shipped partially filled to simplify manufacturing, then the same cartridge housing can be used for high and low yield, but vibration and environmental changes cause ink migration and depriming
Solution Approach 1:
The foam material provides a porous structure that absorbs and retains ink within its cells. This porous absorption prevents ink migration caused by vibration and environmental changes, as the ink is held within the foam matrix rather than freely moving in the cartridge interior. The same structure ensures proper ink supply to the dispensing outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam material is formed and positioned within the cartridge housing before ink is loaded. This preliminary action creates the ink retention structure in advance, allowing the cartridge to be shipped partially filled or empty without risk of ink migration. The foam is already in position to immediately retain ink upon loading.
3Quantity of substance
If interior walls are added to compartmentalize ink in low yield cartridges, then ink can be retained properly, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The foam formation process is merged with the cartridge manufacturing process. The segmented foam structure is formed in-place within the standard cartridge housing using a single continuous process, eliminating the separate step of installing interior walls. This merging of processes reduces manufacturing time and eliminates the need for additional assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink volume for different cartridge types is controlled by changing the foam expansion parameters rather than by adding different structural components. By adjusting the foam expansion ratio and cell density, the same manufacturing process can produce high yield or low yield cartridges without retooling or additional assembly steps, significantly reducing manufacturing time.
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 membrane divided foam structure effectively maintains ink supply and prevents depriming, ensuring consistent ink dispensing while allowing for the same cartridge housing to be used for both high and low yield ink volumes, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one membrane disposed between the first foam portion and the second foam portion, wherein the at least one membrane is operable to inhibit ink flow between the first foam portion and the second foam portion
Implementation Method 2
a first foam portion positioned adjacent to the at least one dispensing outlet and operable to retain ink within the cartridge body until dispensed from the cartridge body
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiment of the invention provide an ink jet cartridge for an ink jet printing device. In one embodiment, an ink jet cartridge can include a cartridge body operable to store ink jet printer ink for dispensing from the cartridge. The cartridge can further include at least one dispensing outlet operable to permit ink to be dispensed from the cartridge body. In addition, the cartridge can include a first foam portion positioned adjacent to the at least one dispensing outlet and operable to retain ink within the cartridge body until dispensed from the cartridge body. The cartridge can also include a second foam portion. Furthermore, the cartridge can include at least one membrane disposed between the first foam portion and the second foam portion, wherein the at least one membrane is operable to inhibit ink flow between the first foam portion and the second foam portion.