Rotatable Flow Path Coupling for Leak-Resistant Inkjet Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in efficiently connecting and securing tubular components to maintain stable ink circulation, leading to potential leaks and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A flow path connection mechanism featuring rotatable coupling members with connecting protrusions and holes, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement, and utilizing laser welding to minimize gaps and enhance coaxiality, thereby reducing leaks and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connection mechanisms are used to connect tubular components, then assembly is simple, but connection reliability is poor leading to potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into distinct functional elements: coupling members with internal flow paths, connecting protrusions, and connecting holes. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting protrusion is inserted into the connecting hole, with the protrusion being nested within the hole structure. This nesting arrangement ensures secure engagement and prevents leakage while maintaining a compact connection design
2Stability of the object's composition
If tubular components are connected to maintain stable ink circulation, then ink flow stability is improved, but connection security is insufficient leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting protrusion and hole are pre-designed with specific geometric features that ensure proper alignment and engagement before ink circulation begins. This preliminary design ensures that the connection is secure from the start, preventing leaks and maintaining ink flow stability
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting protrusion acts as an intermediary element between the first and second coupling members. This intermediary structure facilitates secure connection while maintaining the integrity of the ink circulation path, preventing direct contact between opposing surfaces that could cause leakage
3Reliability
If conventional connection methods are used, then manufacturing is simple, but gaps between components cause leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism replaces conventional mechanical fastening systems with a geometric interlocking system using connecting protrusions and holes. This substitution eliminates the need for additional fasteners while preventing gaps and leaks through precise geometric engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting hole includes a wide region and a narrow region with different opening widths. This parameter change in the hole geometry allows the protrusion to engage securely in the wide region while the narrow region provides a tight fit, preventing gaps and leaks without complex manufacturing
4Manufacturing precision
If coupling members are connected without rotation capability, then alignment is simple, but coaxiality is poor reducing connection stability
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member is designed to be rotatable about the center axis, allowing dynamic adjustment during assembly. This rotational capability enables precise alignment and coaxiality between coupling members while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotational motion
Data Source
AI summary
A flow path connection mechanism includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and a connection member. The connection member is mounted to the second coupling member. The first coupling member is inserted into the connection member, and the connection member is rotated in one direction, so that a connecting protrusion reaches such a position as to be engageable with a connecting hole, and thus a connected state is brought about. The connecting hole includes a wide region and a narrow region. In the connected state, the connecting protrusion engages with the wide region. When the connection member is rotated in the other direction from the connected state, the connecting protrusion enters a radial inner side of an outer periphery of the narrow region.