Negative Pressure Generating Member Compression for Inkjet Tank Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink tanks in inkjet printing systems face issues with air bubbles forming during the filling process due to ink and air mixing near the partition wall, leading to increased air volume in the second chamber, which can cause ink leakage when the seal is opened for use, and existing methods to manage this require reducing the filling efficiency by prolonging the atmospheric exposure.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that compress the negative pressure generating member to increase its density, allowing it to be securely placed against the partition wall, reducing flow resistance and preventing air entrainment during ink filling, thus minimizing air bubble formation without extending atmospheric exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the atmospheric communication port is opened to cancel the reduced pressure state completely, then the ink tank can be filled with ink efficiently, but air bubbles are generated in the negative pressure generating member near the partition wall
Solution Approach 1:
The negative pressure generating member is pre-compressed to increase its density before the ink filling process begins. This preliminary compression ensures that when the atmospheric communication port is opened during filling, the member has already been prepared to resist air entrainment, allowing efficient filling without bubble generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The density of the negative pressure generating member is changed by applying compression force during the manufacturing process. This parameter change increases the member's resistance to air flow and prevents air bubbles from forming in the portion near the partition wall during subsequent ink filling operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the negative pressure generating member has low density near the partition wall, then it is easier to place and install, but air and ink mix more easily causing increased air volume
Solution Approach 1:
The density of the negative pressure generating member is deliberately increased through compression during manufacturing. This parameter change ensures that the member maintains appropriate resistance to air flow while still being placeable, preventing excessive air volume in the second chamber during ink filling.
Solution Approach 2:
The negative pressure generating member is pre-compressed to the desired density before installation. This preliminary action ensures the member has the correct physical properties to prevent air-ink mixing during the subsequent ink filling process, while still being easy to install.
3Productivity
If the ink flow speed into the second chamber is increased, then the filling process is faster, but air is entrained more readily in the ink
Solution Approach 1:
The density of the negative pressure generating member is increased through compression, which changes the flow characteristics of ink passing through it. This parameter change allows faster ink flow speeds while preventing air entrainment, as the compressed member creates more stable flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The negative pressure generating member is pre-compressed to optimize flow characteristics before the ink filling process. This preliminary action ensures that during high-speed filling, air is not entrained in the ink while maintaining fast filling speeds.
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 manages air presence in the ink tank, preventing ink leakage by reducing the speed of ink flow and air entrainment, maintaining efficient ink filling processes and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a compression step of pressing, before the negative pressure generating member is placed in the first recessed portion, a plurality of outer surfaces of the negative pressure generating member by a compression member so that the negative pressure generating member becomes smaller than an opening of the first recessed portion
Implementation Method 2
The ink 20 in the first chamber R1 is absorbed and held by the capillary force of the negative pressure generating member 1
Data Source
AI summary
A compression member is used to press a first outer surface of a negative pressure generating member which contacts a surface of a partition wall and to press a second outer surface of the negative pressure generating member which contacts an inner surface of a first recessed portion located opposite the partition wall. The negative pressure generating member is placed in the first recessed portion with releasing the pressure exerted on the first outer surface while maintaining the pressure exerted on the second outer surface. After the negative pressure generating member is placed in the first recessed portion, the pressure exerted on the outer surface of the negative pressure generating member is released.