Negative Pressure Valve Layout for Ink Air and Debris Purging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in maintaining high print quality due to residue of air and solid matter in the outflow-side pressure chamber, which affects the ink ejection state.
Innovation Solution
A negative pressure regulation valve with an inflow-side and outflow-side pressure chamber, a communication hole, and a valve member that adjusts flow path resistance to efficiently discharge air and solid matter during the suction purge process, using first and second outflow holes with different diameters to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single outflow hole is used in the outflow-side pressure chamber, then the structure is simple, but air and solid matter residue efficiently cannot be discharged
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 different substances (air and solid matter) to be discharged through different holes, improving discharge efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different outflow holes are given different characteristics (different positions, different flow path resistances) to suit different discharge needs. The first outflow hole has lower flow path resistance for efficient liquid discharge, while the second outflow hole is positioned to facilitate air and solid matter removal, creating local quality differences that solve the overall discharge problem
2Productivity
If the first outflow hole has low flow path resistance for efficient liquid discharge, then liquid flow is improved, but air and solid matter may accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge function is segmented between two outflow holes: the first outflow hole handles liquid discharge with low flow path resistance for high productivity, while the second outflow hole handles air and solid matter discharge, ensuring both functions are performed effectively without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The first outflow hole is designed with specific local qualities (lower flow path resistance, positioned below the communication hole) to optimize liquid flow, while the second outflow hole has different local qualities (higher flow path resistance, positioned above the communication hole) to facilitate air and solid matter discharge, allowing each hole to excel at its specific function
3Manufacturing precision
If the valve member closes the communication hole completely, then pressure regulation is precise, but air and solid matter become trapped in the outflow-side pressure chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member provides precise closure of the communication hole for accurate pressure regulation, while the separately positioned second outflow hole (above the communication hole) remains accessible for air and solid matter discharge. This creates local quality differentiation where pressure control and contaminant discharge functions are spatially separated, allowing both to perform optimally
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 suppresses the residue of air and solid matter, ensuring efficient ink discharge and reducing the risk of clogging, thereby maintaining consistent ink ejection and improving print quality.
Implementation Method 1
The valve member is inserted in the communication hole and 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
In a case where a first fluid flows out from the outflow-side pressure chamber via the first outflow hole and the second outflow hole, a first flow path resistance generated when the first fluid passes through the first outflow hole is lower than a second flow path resistance generated when the first fluid passes through the second outflow hole
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A negative pressure regulation valve (31) includes an inflow-side pressure chamber (50), an outflow-side pressure chamber (51), a communication hole (54), and a valve member (52). The valve member (52) is inserted in the communication hole (54) and movable, in accordance with change of pressure inside the outflow-side pressure chamber (51), to a closing position for closing the communication hole (54) and an opening position for opening the communication hole (54). The outflow-side pressure chamber (51) includes, as a liquid outflow hole (51a, 51b), a first outflow hole (51a) formed below the communication hole (54) and a second outflow hole (51b) formed above the communication hole (54). In a case where a first fluid flows out from the outflow-side pressure chamber (51) via the first outflow hole (51a) and the second outflow hole (51b), a first flow path resistance (R1) generated when the first fluid passes through the first outflow hole (51a) is lower than a second flow path resistance (R2) generated when the first fluid passes through the second outflow hole (51b).