Parallel Flow Path Liquid Replenishment Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid replenishment containers for printers, such as ink replenishment containers, face inefficiencies in ink flow due to limited flow paths, which restrict the replenishment rate and require improvements in design to enhance filling speed and prevent leakage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a liquid replenishment container with a valve body and a second liquid replenishment flow path that is continuous and parallel to the first flow path, reducing resistance and allowing for increased ink flow rates by providing additional pathways for ink to flow, thereby improving replenishment efficiency and preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single liquid replenishment flow path is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the liquid replenishment rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid replenishment flow path is divided into multiple independent pathways (first liquid replenishment flow path and second liquid replenishment flow path) that run parallel to each other. This segmentation allows liquid to flow through multiple channels simultaneously, increasing the overall replenishment rate without requiring a single complex high-capacity channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second flow path in parallel with the first flow path, effectively adding another dimension to the liquid flow architecture. This parallel arrangement increases the cross-sectional area available for liquid flow, thereby enhancing the replenishment rate while maintaining relatively simple individual path structures.
2Productivity
If the flow path cross-section varies along the first direction, then manufacturing is simplified, but the liquid flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path cross-sectional area is optimized locally at different positions along the first direction. The cross-section is larger near the container main body where liquid volume is abundant, and gradually reduces toward the nozzle end where liquid is being dispensed. This local variation maintains adequate flow capacity throughout the path while facilitating manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path geometry transitions dynamically along the first direction, with the cross-sectional area changing continuously to match the liquid flow requirements at different locations. This dynamic geometry optimization reduces flow resistance by ensuring adequate flow capacity where needed while maintaining manufacturability.
3Reliability
If the moving seal member is urged by a spring member, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member automatically urges the moving seal member against the outlet seal member to maintain sealing, and this sealing action is self-regulating. When liquid replenishment is needed, the liquid pressure itself pushes the valve body to open the seal, eliminating the need for additional actuation mechanisms. The system uses the liquid pressure to both open and reset the seal automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism utilizes liquid pressure (hydraulic principle) to automatically actuate the valve body. When liquid pressure builds up during replenishment, it overcomes the spring force and pushes the valve body to open the seal. This hydraulic actuation simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for mechanical actuators or complex control systems.
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 enhanced design significantly increases the ink flow rate and reduces filling time by providing additional flow paths, improving the overall efficiency of ink replenishment and ensuring secure sealing during storage and use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member that is provided in the internal space and urges the valve body toward the tip end of the liquid replenishment nozzle in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a liquid supply portion of the printer is inserted into the ink outlet portion and pushes up the spring member. As a result, the moving seal member retracts and the opening is released from sealing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a liquid replenishment container that replenishes a liquid tank including a liquid supply portion protruding in a first direction with a liquid. The container includes: a container main body capable of storing a liquid; a liquid replenishment nozzle including a first side wall and mountable on the liquid supply portion, the first side wall defining an internal space communicating with the container main body; and a valve body provided in the internal space and causing the liquid supply portion to communicate with the internal space when the liquid replenishment nozzle is mounted. The internal space has a first liquid replenishment flow path formed between the valve body and the first side wall and being constant in cross-section in the first direction, and a second liquid replenishment flow path formed inside the first liquid replenishment flow path and being continuous in the first direction.