Multilayer Bag in Rigid Container for Continuous Ink Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printing devices face interruptions when the printing fluid supply, such as ink, is depleted, requiring replacement and disrupting the printing process.

Innovation Solution

A printing fluid supply system comprising a bag made of multilayer material with a sealing, barrier, and protective layer, housed within a rigid container that allows the bag to expand and contract without stretching, enabling continuous printing by controlling fluid flow and pressure to maintain fluid flow to the printhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a traditional printing fluid supply is used, then the printing device can operate, but the printing process is interrupted when the fluid is depleted requiring replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting process continuityVSAvoiddowntime for fluid replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid supply system is divided into multiple separate fluid chambers (first fluid chamber, second fluid chamber, third fluid chamber) that can be independently filled and depleted. When one chamber is empty, the system can switch to another chamber without interrupting the printing process, thereby eliminating downtime for fluid replacement while maintaining continuous productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the bag is allowed to expand and contract freely, then fluid flow is maintained, but the bag material stretches and fails after limited cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebag lifespanVSAvoidbag material integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible bag made of multilayer material (including polyester, aluminum foil, and polyethylene layers) that can expand and contract to accommodate fluid volume changes while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible shell design allows the bag to deform without stretching the material beyond its elastic limits, enabling up to 300,000 expansion-contraction cycles without failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The bag is constructed from composite multilayer material combining polyester for structural strength, aluminum foil for barrier properties, and polyethylene for sealing. This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for expansion/contraction and the strength required to withstand repeated cycling without puncturing or tearing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If a rigid container is used for the bag, then the bag is protected from external damage, but the bag cannot expand and contract

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebag protectionVSAvoidbag expansion capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible bag is nested inside a rigid container, creating a hierarchical structure where the rigid outer container provides mechanical protection and structural support, while the flexible inner bag can expand and contract independently. This nested arrangement allows both the rigid protection and flexible adaptation to coexist without interfering with each other's functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12115794B2Intermediate tank for continuous fluid delivery

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A fluid tank comprises a rigid container and a bag to receive a fluid. The bag is arranged within the container and comprises a fluid opening to allow a fluid to flow therethrough. A perimeter of the bag extends in a first direction and in a second direction and is supported within the container, such that the perimeter of the bag is movable in no more than the first direction and the second direction.