Valve Membrane Structure for Moisture Barrier and Pressure Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejection devices, the existing membrane configurations for adjusting liquid pressure are prone to blister formation due to moisture infiltration, which impairs flexibility and hinders appropriate pressure adjustment, as the moisture-proof films used to prevent blistering often increase rigidity and restrict flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A valve unit with a membrane member comprising a first film connected to the liquid storage member, a second film to suppress liquid component permeation, and a third film to prevent moisture infiltration, where the third film is arranged separated from the second film by a space, allowing for flexible deformation and maintaining pressure adjustment capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a moisture proof film is laminated on the outside of the membrane member to suppress moisture infiltration, then blister generation is suppressed, but the flexibility of the membrane member is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane member is segmented into multiple functional films (inner membrane, intermediate film, outer membrane) with distinct roles. The inner membrane provides flexibility for pressure adjustment, the intermediate film blocks moisture, and the outer membrane provides additional protection. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the overall flexibility needed for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane member uses a composite structure combining different materials with complementary properties. The inner membrane uses flexible materials like polypropylene, the intermediate film uses moisture-blocking materials, and the outer membrane uses protective materials. This composite approach achieves both blister suppression and maintained flexibility through material synergy.
2Reliability
If a film capable of suppressing permeation of moisture is used, then moisture infiltration is prevented, but the rigidity increases making it difficult to appropriately adjust pressure of liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture-proofing function is segmented from the pressure-adjustment function by placing the intermediate moisture-blocking film between the flexible inner membrane and the outer membrane. This allows the inner membrane to remain soft and flexible for pressure adjustment while the intermediate film provides the necessary moisture barrier without adding rigidity to the active pressure-adjustment layer.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the membrane structure have different local qualities optimized for their specific functions. The inner membrane has high flexibility for pressure adjustment, the intermediate film has high moisture barrier properties, and the outer membrane has protective qualities. This local optimization allows moisture proofing without compromising the flexibility needed for pressure adjustment in the inner membrane region.
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 suppresses moisture infiltration while maintaining the flexibility of the membrane, enabling precise adjustment of liquid pressure in the storage chamber, thereby enhancing the performance of liquid ejection devices.
Implementation Method 1
a third film that is arranged at a surface of the second film opposite from a surface of the second film facing the first film and that suppresses permeation of moisture contained in surrounding air
Implementation Method 2
a second film that is adhered to a surface of the first film opposite from a surface of the first film facing the opening and that suppresses permeation of a predetermined component contained in the liquid
Implementation Method 3
a liquid storage chamber whose volume changes in accordance with change in pressure of liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A valve unit includes a pressure chamber whose volume changes in accordance with change in pressure of ink. The pressure chamber is formed by a liquid storage member in which is formed a recess section storing the ink. A second membrane member is arranged to cover an opening of the recess section. The second membrane member includes a first film connected to the liquid storage member to cover the opening, a second film that is adhered to a surface of the first film opposite a surface of the first film facing the opening and that suppresses permeation of a solvent component, and a third film that is arranged at a surface of the second film opposite a surface of the second film facing the first film and that suppresses permeation of moisture contained in surrounding air. The third film is separated from the second film by a space.