Semipermeable Membrane Positioning in Ink Tank
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in preventing semipermeable membranes from getting wet due to contact with ink, leading to degraded air permeability.
Innovation Solution
A liquid consumption device is designed with a cartridge and tank configuration where the semipermeable membrane is positioned above the liquid level, ensuring it remains dry by equalizing liquid levels through water head difference, and includes a purge mechanism to manage ink flow and prevent membrane wetting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a semipermeable membrane is disposed in a flow channel connecting the ink chamber of the tank and the atmosphere opening port of the tank, then ink leakage through the atmosphere opening port is prevented, but the semipermeable membrane may get dampened due to contact with ink, degrading air permeability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the semipermeable membrane from a horizontal/vertical flow channel position to a sloped surface position on the ink chamber wall. This dimensional change in placement allows the membrane to be positioned at an angle where liquid ink does not pool or contact it, while still maintaining its function of preventing ink leakage through the atmosphere opening port.
Solution Approach 2:
The sloped surface acts as an intermediary structure between the ink chamber and the atmosphere opening port. It provides a pathway for air to pass through (via the semipermeable membrane) while preventing direct contact between liquid ink and the membrane, thus mediating between the need for ink containment and the need for membrane dryness.
2Productivity
If liquid levels in the cartridge and tank are equalized through water head difference, then ink flow from cartridge to tank is controlled, but the semipermeable membrane must be positioned to avoid wetting while maintaining this level equalization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the equipotential principle by positioning the semipermeable membrane at a height above the maximum liquid level in the ink chamber. This creates an equipotential zone where the membrane remains in a region not subject to liquid pressure or contact, while still allowing air pressure equalization to facilitate controlled ink flow between cartridge and tank.
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 reduces the risk of semipermeable membrane wetting, maintaining air permeability and ensuring reliable ink supply and consumption in the inkjet recording apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The semipermeable membrane blocks distribution of liquid and allows the atmosphere to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
the level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber becomes equal to the level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber because of a flow of the liquid from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber due to water head difference
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid consumption device includes a cartridge, a tank and a consumption portion. The cartridge includes a first storage chamber. The tank includes a second storage chamber and a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane covers the communication port. The semipermeable membrane is configured to block a liquid. The semipermeable membrane is positioned above a level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber in a state where the level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber becomes equal to the level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber because of a flow of the liquid from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber due to water head difference as a result of the connection of the cartridge to the tank. The first storage chamber of the cartridge to connected to the tank stores therein a maximum amount of liquid.