Tank Unit Liquid Surface Adjustment via Gravity Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses require complex supply control to adjust the liquid surface of two reservoir chambers to an appropriate level, making the system more complicated than necessary.
Innovation Solution
A tank unit with a simplified structure that includes a first inlet portion, first and second chambers, opening-to-atmosphere portions, and an on-off valve, allowing for autonomous adjustment of liquid surfaces between the chambers without the need for complex control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex supply control by means of replenishment valve, liquid surface sensor, and circulation pump is used to adjust liquid surface levels, then liquid surface adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank unit allows liquid to automatically flow between chambers and adjust surface levels without external control. The first chamber receives liquid from the liquid container, and the second chamber receives liquid from the first chamber through gravity-driven flow, eliminating the need for pumps, sensors, and control valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the complex control system components (replenishment valve, liquid surface sensor, circulation pump) from the tank unit, retaining only the essential flow passage structure that enables automatic liquid transfer and surface level adjustment through gravity and pressure differential.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex supply control system is implemented, then liquid surface adjustment is precise, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank unit structure enables automatic liquid transfer and surface level adjustment through gravity-driven flow and pressure differential, eliminating the need for complex control components that would increase manufacturing difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank unit is divided into distinct functional sections: a first chamber for receiving liquid from the liquid container, and a second chamber for receiving liquid from the first chamber, with flow passages connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, facilitating easier manufacturing.
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 tank unit enables straightforward adjustment of liquid surfaces, reducing the complexity of the liquid ejecting apparatus and enhancing its operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
liquid supplied from a liquid container flows into it [the tank unit]
Implementation Method 2
an on-off valve configured to open and close the outlet flow passage
Data Source
AI summary
A tank unit includes a first inlet portion via which liquid supplied from a liquid container flows in, a first chamber configured to store the liquid that flows in via the first inlet portion, a first opening-to-atmosphere portion configured to open an inside of the first chamber to atmosphere, an outlet flow passage to which one end is connected to the first chamber, a second chamber connected to the other end of the outlet flow passage and configured to store the liquid supplied from the first chamber, a second opening-to-atmosphere portion configured to open an inside of the second chamber to atmosphere, and an on-off valve configured to open and close the outlet flow passage. The first inlet portion is connected to the first chamber via an opening portion at some midpoint in a vertical direction of the first chamber.