Negative Pressure Valve Structure for Stable Inkjet Ink Supply
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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 in the ink flow path connecting the ink container and recording head.
Innovation Solution
A negative pressure regulation valve with a pressure chamber, valve member, diaphragm portion, pressure receiving plate, and biasing member that adjusts the capacity of the pressure chamber to control ink flow, preventing bubbles and solid matter from obstructing the valve mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure regulating portion is provided to maintain consistent ink ejection, then print quality is improved, but bubbles and solid matter may obstruct the valve mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure chamber is divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber by the pressure receiving plate, allowing different functions in different segments. The upper chamber handles pressure regulation while the lower chamber collects bubbles and solid matter, preventing obstruction of the valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Bubbles and solid matter are extracted from the ink flow path by collecting them in the lower chamber of the pressure chamber. This separates the harmful elements from the functional ink flow, preventing them from obstructing the valve mechanism while maintaining pressure regulation effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pressure chamber capacity is fixed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot efficiently remove bubbles and solid matter
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure receiving plate is made movable rather than fixed, allowing the division between upper and lower chambers to change dynamically. This enables the chamber configuration to adapt to different operational states, efficiently collecting bubbles and solid matter in the lower chamber while maintaining pressure regulation in the upper chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure receiving plate introduces a vertical dimension to the pressure chamber structure, creating distinct upper and lower zones. This dimensional change allows bubbles and solid matter to be directed downward into a collection zone, separating them from the main ink flow path without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If purging processes are performed frequently to remove bubbles and solid matter, then ink ejection reliability is improved, but ink usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure chamber continuously collects bubbles and solid matter during normal ink flow operations, performing preliminary separation before purging is needed. This preliminary action reduces the frequency and intensity of purging operations required, maintaining ink ejection reliability while minimizing ink consumption during purging.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure receiving plate continuously separates bubbles and solid matter from the ink flow during normal operation, maintaining constant purification without interrupting ink supply. This continuous useful action eliminates the need for frequent stop-and-go purging cycles, reducing overall ink consumption while maintaining ejection stability.
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 ensures stable ink supply to the recording head, efficiently removing bubbles and solid matter, thereby maintaining consistent ink ejection and reducing ink usage during purging processes.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm portion is displaced to an inside and an outside of the pressure chamber along with change of pressure inside the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
The biasing member biases the pressure receiving plate in a direction of displacing the receiving plate to the outside of the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 3
The valve member is movable, in accordance with change of pressure inside the pressure chamber, to a closing position for closing the liquid inflow port and an opening position for opening the liquid inflow port
Data Source
AI summary
A negative pressure regulation valve includes a pressure chamber, a valve member, a diaphragm portion, a pressure receiving plate, and a biasing member. The pressure chamber has a liquid inflow port, and a liquid outflow port formed above the liquid inflow port. The pressure receiving plate is displaced with the diaphragm portion to the inside and the outside of the pressure chamber, thereby changing a capacity of the pressure chamber. The valve member is caused to move with the pressure receiving plate to a closing position for closing the ink inflow port and an opening position for opening the ink inflow port. When the pressure receiving plate is displaced to the inside and the outside of the pressure chamber, the capacity of the pressure chamber changes by a larger amount from an upper part toward a lower part of the pressure chamber with respect to a direction of gravity.