Sheet Drying Apparatus Coupling with Tapered Laser-Welded Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in efficiently and reliably connecting and securing tubular members for ink circulation, leading to potential ink leakage and increased manufacturing costs due to the use of adhesives and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A tubular coupling member design with tapered inner and outer fitting portions and laser welding, allowing secure connection and minimization of clearance between components, enhancing coaxiality and reducing ink leakage while lowering manufacturing costs through simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive and complex assembly process are used to connect tubular members, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive) with a mechanical bonding system (tapered interference fit combined with laser welding). The tapered inner and outer fitting portions create a mechanical interference fit that secures the connection without requiring adhesives, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining connection reliability through the mechanical interlock and controlled clearance minimization.
2Reliability
If adhesive is used to secure tubular members, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the adhesive application step and replaces it with a mechanical insertion and laser welding process. The tapered fitting portions guide the assembly process and create a self-aligning mechanical connection that reduces assembly complexity compared to adhesive application, while the laser welding provides reliable bonding without the complexity of adhesive curing processes.
3Ease of operation
If clearance between fitting portions is not minimized, then assembly ease is improved, but ink leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the clearance parameter between the inner and outer fitting portions by using tapered surfaces that converge to minimize the gap. This parameter change ensures that the clearance is sufficient for assembly ease during insertion but minimal enough to prevent ink leakage under operating conditions. The taper angle and length are specifically designed to achieve this optimal clearance control.
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 solution provides a reliable and cost-effective connection mechanism for ink circulation, minimizing ink leakage and improving assembly efficiency by using laser welding to secure tubular members without adhesives, thus enhancing the reliability and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
laser welding to secure tubular members
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling member (1, 2) includes a first member (11, 21) connected to a tube (TU) through which a liquid circulates and a second member (12, 22) secured to the first member (11, 21). One of the first member (11, 21) and the second member (12, 22) includes an outer fitting portion (110, 210) having a cylindrical shape centered about a center axis (CA), and the other of the first member (11, 21) and the second member (12, 22) includes an inner fitting portion (120, 220) having a cylindrical shape centered about the center axis (CA). The inner fitting portion (120, 220) is internally fitted to the outer fitting portion (110, 210). An inner circumferential surface (1100, 2100) of the outer fitting portion (110, 210) and an outer circumferential surface (1200, 2200) of the inner fitting portion (120, 220) are each so tapered as to increase in distance from the center axis (CA) from one side toward the other side in an axis direction.