Sub Tank Segmentation for Liquid Agitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face challenges in effectively agitating liquids in sub tanks, leading to sedimentation and poor discharge properties due to inadequate circulation and separation of supernatant and stagnant liquids.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a sub tank design with separate containers and a communication channel system that allows for reversible liquid flow, using valves and a pump to circulate the liquid vertically and agitate it, ensuring that sedimented components are re-dispersed and preventing stagnation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If liquid is stored in a single container in the sub tank, then the structure is simple, but sedimentation occurs and discharge properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sub tank is divided into multiple separate containers (first container and second container) instead of using a single container. This segmentation allows the liquid to be stored in separate compartments that can be independently managed, preventing sedimentation by enabling circulation between containers and maintaining reliable discharge properties.
2Device complexity
If liquid circulation is not implemented, then the system is simple, but sedimentation occurs and discharge properties worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system is designed to agitate and circulate liquid before it reaches the discharge head. By implementing preliminary agitation through the communication channel and valve system, sedimentation is prevented in advance, ensuring reliable discharge properties without requiring complex continuous circulation mechanisms.
3Reliability
If valves are added to control liquid flow, then liquid circulation and agitation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is extracted and integrated directly into the communication channel connecting the first and second containers. By placing the valves at the connection points between containers, the system achieves effective liquid circulation and agitation control without requiring a separate complex valve system, thus improving reliability while minimizing additional complexity.
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 design enhances the discharge properties of the liquid discharge head by ensuring thorough agitation and circulation of the liquid, maintaining print quality and extending the life of the sub tank components.
Implementation Method 1
using valves and a pump to circulate the liquid vertically and agitate it
Implementation Method 2
agitate the liquid in the sub tank... ensuring that sedimented components are re-dispersed
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid container configured to store a liquid to be supplied to a liquid discharge head, the liquid container includes a tank case, a first container in the tank case, the first container configured to store the liquid, a second container, separated from the first container, in the tank case, the second container configured to store the liquid, a communication channel connecting the first container and the second container, a first valve configured to open when the liquid is fed to the first container, and a second valve configured to open when the liquid is discharged from the second container.