Electromagnetic Valve Gravity Drain for Printer Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printers, ink accumulation in valves can impede the flow of ink during maintenance, leading to ineffective head maintenance and potential printing quality issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electromagnetic valve with a specific design, including a valve member that shifts between blocking and open orientations, and a groove structure that prevents ink accumulation, ensuring efficient ink flow and maintenance by inhibiting ink adhesion within the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve is used to open and close the flow path between the cap member and suction pump, then the connection can be controlled, but ink accumulates and adheres to the valve causing flow impediment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical height dimension to the valve structure by positioning the outflow opening higher than the inflow opening in the gravitational field. This dimensional arrangement allows ink to drain completely from the flow path due to gravity, preventing accumulation in the valve body while maintaining effective flow control during maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional valve design where the outflow opening is at the same level or lower than the inflow opening, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the outflow opening higher. This inversion utilizes gravity to drain ink completely from the valve, eliminating the harmful accumulation effect while preserving the valve's flow control function
2Ease of operation
If the valve closes the flow path, then the connection between cap member and suction pump is cut off, but ink flow within the tube member is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the outflow opening higher than the inflow opening in the vertical dimension, the patent ensures that when the valve closes, any remaining ink in the flow path drains completely to the lowest point and exits through the outflow opening, preventing accumulation that would impede subsequent ink flow and maintain high maintenance efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The valve structure utilizes gravity itself to drain ink from the flow path, requiring no additional active components or energy input. The gravitational force automatically clears ink from the valve body, making the system self-maintaining and preserving operational efficiency without additional complexity
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
This solution enhances printer maintenance by preventing ink accumulation in the valve, ensuring reliable purging and cleaning operations, thereby maintaining printing quality and preventing defective discharging.
Implementation Method 1
The first electromagnetic valve is provided with a first wall portion, a first valve member, a first energizing member, and a first drive portion. The first drive portion shifts the first valve member from the first blocking orientation to the first open orientation
Implementation Method 2
The at least one suction pump is connected to the at least one waste liquid flow path and is configured to put the at least one waste liquid flow path into a negative pressure state
Implementation Method 3
The outflow opening connects to the second flow path portion and is disposed farther in the direction of the force of gravity than is the inflow opening
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a cap member, a head, a suction pump, a first electromagnetic valve, and a waste liquid flow path including a first flow path portion and a second flow path portion. The cap member seals a discharge surface in the head. The suction pump is connected to the waste liquid flow path and puts it into a negative pressure state. The first electromagnetic valve connects the cap member and the suction pump, cuts off the connection between the cap member and the waste liquid flow path, and includes a first wall portion. The first wall portion includes a side face portion on which an inflow opening and an outflow opening are formed. The inflow opening connects to the first flow path portion. The outflow opening connects to the second flow path portion and is disposed farther in the direction of the force of gravity than the inflow opening.