Recording Head Second Reservoir Unit Air Entry Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses face issues where air expansion due to temperature or atmospheric pressure changes can cause air to enter the supply path of the recording head, leading to potential ink flow disruptions.
Innovation Solution
The recording apparatus includes a second reservoir unit within the recording head with an upwardly oriented opening, which supplies ink to a holding unit, and a liquid buffer to manage ink flow and prevent air entry into the supply path by maintaining a stable ink surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an air layer is provided between the liquid supply unit and holding member in the recording head, then the liquid can be smoothly supplied to the recording head, but air may enter the liquid flow path when the air expands due to temperature or atmospheric pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid buffer unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the liquid supply port and the holding member. This buffer unit fills with liquid and acts as a mediator that prevents air from the air layer from entering the liquid flow path, while still allowing liquid to pass through to the holding member. The buffer unit effectively decouples the air layer from the liquid supply path.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid storage space is segmented into multiple functional zones: a liquid supply unit, an air layer, a liquid buffer unit, and a holding member. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function - the air layer provides pressure compensation, the buffer unit prevents air entry, and the holding member stores liquid - thereby resolving the contradiction between smooth supply and air entry prevention.
2Reliability
If the recording head is designed with multiple functional units for liquid management, then air entry can be prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid buffer unit is integrated within the recording head structure, merging the functions of liquid storage, air isolation, and pressure regulation into a single compact component. This reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining the reliability benefits of the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid buffer unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a barrier to prevent air entry, a reservoir to store liquid, and a pressure equalization chamber. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high reliability.
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 configuration effectively suppresses air from entering the supply path during temperature or pressure changes, ensuring continuous and stable ink supply to the recording head, even when the apparatus is in different orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a second reservoir unit, disposed in the recording head, configured to reserve the liquid supplied from the liquid supply port, and a holding unit configured to hold the liquid supplied from the second reservoir unit, in the recording head, wherein the second reservoir unit includes an opening that is provided upward in a direction of a gravitational force with respect to the liquid supply port
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a recording head configured to discharge a liquid, a first liquid reservoir unit configured to store the liquid to be supplied to the recording head, a liquid supply port configured to supply the liquid stored in the first liquid reservoir unit into the recording head, a liquid supply path connecting the first liquid reservoir unit and the liquid supply port, a second reservoir unit, in the recording head, configured to store the liquid supplied from the liquid supply port, and a holding unit configured to hold the liquid supplied from the second reservoir unit, in the recording head, wherein the second reservoir unit includes an opening provided upward in a direction of a gravitational force with respect to the liquid supply port and is configured to supply the liquid to the holding unit, when the recording head is in a posture of performing recording.