Modular Diaphragm Pump Ink Feeding Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in efficiently and reliably conveying ink from the ink container to the recording head, particularly in maintaining ink quality and preventing backflow.
Innovation Solution
A liquid feeding device comprising a diaphragm pump, a suction unit with a suction check valve, a discharge unit with a discharge check valve, and optional filter units, arranged in a stacking manner to ensure efficient ink flow and prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diaphragm pump is used to convey ink, then ink can be pumped from the ink container to the recording head, but ink backflow occurs reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the backflow prevention function into separate suction check valve and discharge check valve units that are detachably connected to the pump. This allows the check valves to be independently installed and removed, effectively preventing ink backflow while maintaining pump functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink feeding system is segmented into modular components: pump unit, suction check valve unit, and discharge check valve unit. Each unit can be independently attached or detached, allowing flexible configuration and effective backflow prevention at both suction and discharge sides.
2Reliability
If check valves are added to prevent backflow, then ink flow reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve functionality is segmented into separate detachable units rather than being integrated into the pump body. This modular approach prevents backflow while keeping the pump structure relatively simple and allowing easy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve units are designed to be detachably connected, allowing the system to dynamically change configuration. The check valves can be installed when backflow prevention is needed and removed when not required, providing flexibility.
3Reliability
If multiple units are stacked to prevent backflow, then ink quality is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standardized modular units (pump unit, suction check valve unit, discharge check valve unit) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled through simple attachment mechanisms, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve units are designed with universal attachment interfaces that can be standardized across different pump models, simplifying the manufacturing process and allowing the same check valve units to work with various pump configurations.
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 conveys ink while preventing backflow and maintaining ink quality, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the inkjet recording process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction check valve configured to allow the liquid to flow only in a suction direction with respect to the diaphragm
Implementation Method 2
a discharge check valve configured to allow the liquid to flow only in a discharge direction with respect to the diaphragm
Implementation Method 3
The diaphragm pump conveys liquid by reciprocating movement of a diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid feeding device includes a diaphragm pump, a suction unit, a discharge unit, and an optional unit. The suction unit and the discharge unit are arranged in a stacking manner so that at least one optional unit is sandwiched between them, and that an inflow chamber of the suction unit and an outflow chamber of the discharge unit sequentially face the diaphragm on one side in a reciprocating direction of the diaphragm. The suction unit, the discharge unit, and the optional unit are attachable and detachable from each other.