Liquid Supply Device With Switchable Vent Passage for Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid supply devices, such as ink cartridges, have poor liquid leakage prevention properties when detached from image forming apparatuses due to the use of semipermeable membranes that allow atmospheric communication, leading to potential ink leakage if not handled correctly.
Innovation Solution
The liquid supply device incorporates a flow passage member with multiple positions that can switch between sealed and open states, utilizing a semipermeable membrane to prevent ink leakage by isolating the interior from the atmosphere when detached and allowing controlled atmospheric communication during attachment and refilling, with mechanisms in the image forming apparatus to manage this switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a semipermeable membrane is used to block fluid flow while permitting atmospheric flow, then atmospheric communication is enabled, but liquid leakage prevention property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The atmosphere communication port is divided into two separate ports: a first atmosphere communication port with a semipermeable membrane for fluid blocking, and a second atmosphere communication port without membrane for atmospheric flow. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both fluid protection and atmospheric communication functions that were conflicting in the single-port design
Solution Approach 2:
A flow passage member acts as an intermediary component that selectively opens or closes the first atmosphere communication port based on attachment state. When detached, it closes the port to prevent leakage; when attached, it opens to enable atmospheric communication, mediating between the conflicting requirements of leakage prevention and atmospheric exchange
2Adaptability or versatility
If the interior of the liquid supply device is shut off from the outside only by the semipermeable membrane, then atmospheric communication is permitted, but liquid leakage prevention property remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The atmosphere communication port is divided into two separate ports: a first atmosphere communication port with a semipermeable membrane for fluid blocking, and a second atmosphere communication port without membrane for atmospheric flow. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both fluid protection and atmospheric communication functions that were conflicting in the single-port design
Solution Approach 2:
A flow passage member acts as an intermediary component that selectively opens or closes the first atmosphere communication port based on attachment state. When detached, it closes the port to prevent leakage; when attached, it opens to enable atmospheric communication, mediating between the conflicting requirements of leakage prevention and atmospheric exchange
3Adaptability or versatility
If the atmosphere communication port is open when detached, then atmospheric communication is enabled, but liquid leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage member is designed to dynamically change the state of the first atmosphere communication port between open and closed based on the attachment state of the liquid supply device. When detached, the port is closed to prevent leakage; when attached, it opens to enable atmospheric communication, adapting the system's behavior to current operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
A flow passage member acts as an intermediary component that selectively opens or closes the first atmosphere communication port based on attachment state. When detached, it closes the port to prevent leakage; when attached, it opens to enable atmospheric communication, mediating between the conflicting requirements of leakage prevention and atmospheric exchange
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 prevents ink leakage during detachment and refilling, maintains the device's integrity, and enhances operational efficiency by minimizing contamination and improving usability.
Implementation Method 1
a semipermeable membrane that blocks a flow of fluid and permits a flow of atmosphere is provided at an atmosphere communication port
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid supply device attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus includes: a storage portion configured to store liquid; a supply portion configured to supply the liquid stored in the storage portion to the image forming apparatus; an atmosphere communication port opening to an outside of the liquid supply device; and a flow passage member including a connection flow passage formed therein. The liquid supply device is switchable, by movement of the flow passage member, between an open state in which the connection flow passage connects the storage portion to the atmosphere communication port, and a sealed state in which the connection flow passage does not connect the storage portion to the atmosphere communication port.