Tube Pump Roller Positioning for Backflow Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube pumps face challenges in suppressing liquid backflow during reverse rotation due to complex configurations and variations in positional accuracy of the roller, leading to inefficiencies in inkjet recording apparatus maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A tube pump design featuring a tube with elastic restoring force, a case with an arc-shaped wall surface, a roller that presses the tube, and a dual rotating body system with a dead zone that prevents rotation transmission during reverse rotation, utilizing the elastic restoring force to release the tube and prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cam member and braking unit are used to control the roller position, then liquid backflow is suppressed, but the number of parts increases and positional accuracy varies
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the cam member and braking unit functions into a single integrated structure. The cam member directly provides the braking action through its geometric profile without requiring a separate braking unit, reducing the number of parts while maintaining the ability to suppress liquid backflow during roller reversal.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member is designed to perform multiple functions: it guides the roller along the tube, positions the roller at specific locations, and provides braking action during reversal. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate braking components while maintaining reliable liquid backflow suppression.
2Reliability
If a cam member and braking unit are used to control the roller position, then liquid backflow is suppressed, but positional accuracy varies
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of braking function into the cam member geometry itself eliminates cumulative positioning errors that would arise from multiple separate components. The cam profile directly determines both the roller position and braking timing, ensuring consistent and accurate positioning while suppressing liquid backflow.
3Reliability
If the roller is pressed against the tube during reverse rotation, then liquid backflow is prevented, but the configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cam member is designed to automatically provide braking force during reverse rotation through its geometric profile. The shape of the cam surface naturally converts the rotational motion into a pressing force against the roller without requiring additional actuators or control mechanisms, preventing liquid backflow while maintaining a simple configuration.
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 liquid backflow and maintains accurate suction operation parameters, enabling efficient maintenance in inkjet recording apparatuses with a simplified configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a tube having elastic restoring force
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is intended to provide a tube pump which can suppress occurrence of a back flow of liquid in a tube at the time of reverse rotation of a second rotating body, with a simple configuration. The tube pump includes a tube; a case; a roller making a specific movement; a first rotating body having a guiding part which guides the roller in an arc radial direction of the arc-shaped wall surface of the case; and a second rotating body having a roller position regulating part acting on a position in an arc radial direction of the arc-shaped wall surface of the case of the roller.