Spring Valve Inner Plug Ink Replenishment Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid replenishment containers for ink jet printers face challenges in preventing ink spouting and leakage during cap removal, leading to potential contamination and inefficient ink replenishment.
Innovation Solution
A liquid replenishment container design featuring a cylindrical outlet-forming portion with a spring valve and inner plug, where the spring valve is closed by a spring member and opens with the liquid introduction needle, preventing ink leakage until the first use and ensuring reliable ink flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cap is removed from the nozzle to allow ink replenishment, then the container can communicate with the atmosphere and relieve pressurized state, but ink spouting and leakage occur during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into two independent sealing portions: a first sealing portion between the cap and nozzle, and a second sealing portion within the nozzle using a valve structure. This segmentation allows the first sealing portion to be opened for replenishment while the second sealing portion maintains control over ink flow, preventing uncontrolled spouting.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve structure is pre-configured in the nozzle to maintain sealing before replenishment. When the liquid introduction needle is inserted, the valve automatically opens in a controlled manner, preventing ink spouting before the replenishment process begins. This preliminary preparation of the valve state prevents harmful ink leakage during cap removal and connection.
2Reliability
If a valve structure is used to prevent ink leakage, then sealing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve structure is designed to automatically open and close based on the insertion and removal of the liquid introduction needle, without requiring external control mechanisms. The needle itself acts as the actuating element, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable sealing through the automatic valve operation.
3Reliability
If the container is designed to relieve pressurized state during cap removal, then operational safety is improved, but ink contamination may occur before mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The valve structure is pre-configured in a closed state before use, maintaining sealing integrity during storage and transport. The valve only opens when the liquid introduction needle is inserted, ensuring that pressurized state relief occurs only during controlled replenishment operations, not during storage, thereby preventing contamination.
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 design effectively prevents ink leakage during initial use and subsequent refills, ensuring accurate ink replenishment and minimizing contamination, even when the container is in an upside-down position.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member, a valve body that comes into contact with the sealing member by being urged by the spring member
Implementation Method 2
separated from the sealing member by being pressed by the liquid introduction needle inserted into the liquid outflow path
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid outlet-forming portion included in a liquid replenishment container includes a sealing member disposed in a liquid outflow path, a valve disposed in the liquid outflow path, and a flow path closing member disposed in the liquid outflow path between an opening and the valve. The valve is a spring valve including a spring member, a valve body that is urged by the spring member toward the sealing member in a valve-closed state, and a contact portion that is coupled to the valve body and comes into contact with the flow path closing member at least in a valve-open state. The flow path closing member is an inner plug engaged with the liquid outlet-forming portion. The inner plug is disengaged from the liquid outlet-forming portion by a liquid introduction needle via the valve when the liquid replenishment container is used for the first time.