Liquid Storage Tank Channel Volume Differentiation for Purge Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid consuming apparatuses like printers, the initial purge process can be inefficient due to differences in the volume of distribution channels from storage chambers to the recording head, leading to uneven ink consumption.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a tank with multiple storage chambers and specific inlet, outflow, and return channels that equalize liquid flow, allowing air to be discharged and ensuring that the liquid reaches the correct positions, thus minimizing the deviation in ink consumption during the initial purge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the initial purge is carried out till the entire first distribution channel is filled with ink, then the first distribution channel is properly filled, but the ink in the second storage chamber is jetted unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the outflow channel volumes different for each storage chamber. Specifically, the outflow channel from the first storage chamber has a larger volume than the outflow channel from the second storage chamber. This local differentiation allows each chamber to contribute appropriately to the initial purge based on its distribution channel volume, preventing unnecessary ink consumption from chambers with smaller distribution channels while ensuring complete filling of chambers with larger distribution channels.
2Loss of substance
If the outflow channel volumes are made different for each storage chamber, then ink consumption is equalized, but the tank structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by differentiating the outflow channel volumes for each storage chamber. The first outflow channel has a larger volume than the second outflow channel, matching the differences in distribution channel volumes. This localized structural variation equalizes ink consumption during initial purge across all storage chambers while maintaining a relatively simple overall tank structure that only requires modest dimensional variations rather than complex mechanisms.
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 ensures that the liquid is evenly distributed and consumed during the initial purge, reducing waste and maintaining consistent ink levels across all channels.
Implementation Method 1
a first atmosphere communication channel configured to make the first liquid storage chamber communicate with an atmosphere... a second atmosphere communication channel configured to make the second liquid storage chamber communicate with the atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
with the entry of the liquid into the first liquid outflow channel, air inside the first liquid outflow channel is pushed to the first liquid storage chamber through the first return channel
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a liquid consuming apparatus which includes a tank including first and second liquid storage chambers, and a liquid consuming unit. The tank includes a first inlet, a first atmosphere communication channel, a first liquid outflow channel, a first return channel, a second inlet, a second atmosphere communication channel, a second liquid outflow channel, and a second return channel. A volume of the first liquid outflow channel from the first position up to the second position and a volume of the second liquid outflow channel from the fourth position up to the fifth position differ mutually.