Negative Pressure Regulation Valve with Dual Outflow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in maintaining consistent ink ejection states to ensure high print quality, particularly due to issues with pressure regulation and the accumulation of solidified ink components and foreign matter in the ink flow path.
Innovation Solution
A negative pressure regulation valve with an inflow-side and outflow-side pressure chamber, a communication hole, and a movable valve member that regulates pressure and directs ink flow to prevent solid matter accumulation by generating a rotating liquid flow around a communication hole, ensuring efficient discharge of air and ink during suction purge processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a negative pressure regulation valve is used to maintain pressure by storing ink, then ink ejection stability is improved, but solidified ink components and foreign matter accumulate in the flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The outflow-side pressure chamber is divided into multiple outflow holes (first outflow hole and second outflow hole) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows liquid to flow out from multiple points simultaneously, creating a rotating flow pattern that prevents solid matter accumulation while maintaining pressure regulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial arrangement dimension by positioning outflow holes at different locations (above and below the communication hole) and directing flow in different directions. This multi-dimensional flow arrangement creates a rotating liquid flow pattern that effectively prevents solid matter accumulation without compromising the pressure regulation function.
2Reliability
If pressure regulation is maintained by storing ink in the valve, then ink ejection consistency is improved, but residual ink and air remain in the flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The outflow-side pressure chamber is segmented into multiple outflow holes positioned at different locations. This segmentation enables complete evacuation of residual ink and air by providing multiple exit paths, while the pressure regulation function is maintained through the controlled opening and closing of the communication hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member continuously maintains pressure regulation by controlling the communication hole while the multiple outflow holes continuously evacuate residual ink and air. This continuous dual action ensures both pressure consistency and complete flow path clearance without interruption.
3Device complexity
If a single outflow hole is used in the outflow-side pressure chamber, then device complexity is reduced, but solid matter accumulates and blocks the flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The single outflow hole is segmented into multiple outflow holes (first and second outflow holes) positioned at different locations within the outflow-side pressure chamber. This segmentation prevents solid matter accumulation by creating multiple flow paths while adding minimal structural complexity to the valve design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality by positioning outflow holes at different locations (above and below the communication hole) and directing flow in different directions. This multi-dimensional arrangement prevents blockage without significantly increasing device complexity, as the holes are integrated into the existing chamber structure.
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 maintains ink ejection stability by preventing solid matter from obstructing the valve mechanism, reducing residual ink and air within the flow path, and enhancing the efficiency of ink replacement and maintenance processes.
Implementation Method 1
The valve member is movable, in accordance with change of pressure inside the outflow-side pressure chamber, between a closing position for closing the communication hole and an opening position for opening the communication hole
Implementation Method 2
a first line extending in an outflow direction of liquid from the first outflow hole and a second line extending in an outflow direction of liquid from the second outflow hole do not coincide with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A negative pressure regulation valve includes an inflow-side pressure chamber including a liquid inflow hole, an outflow-side pressure chamber including a liquid outflow hole, a communication hole, and a valve member inserted in the communication hole and movable, in accordance with change of pressure inside the outflow-side pressure chamber, to a closing position for closing the communication hole and an opening position for opening the communication hole. The outflow-side pressure chamber includes, as the liquid outflow hole, a first outflow hole formed below the communication hole and a second outflow hole formed above the communication hole. As seen from a communication direction of the communication hole, a first line extending in an outflow direction of liquid from the first outflow hole and a second line extending in an outflow direction of liquid from the second outflow hole do not coincide with each other.