Vertical Liquid Jetting Apparatus Meniscus Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid jetting apparatuses face challenges when installed vertically, particularly in narrow spaces, as they tend to occupy more width due to the horizontal arrangement of components, and the pressure differences across nozzle rows can lead to meniscus breakage and leakage issues.

Innovation Solution

A vertically oriented liquid jetting apparatus with multiple liquid tanks arranged in a vertical row, connected to the jetting head via tubes, where the farthest tank is connected to the nearest nozzle row when the carriage is at its farthest position, minimizing water head pressure variations and preventing meniscus breakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the liquid jetting apparatus is installed vertically with liquid tanks arranged in a vertical row, then the width of the apparatus is reduced and it can be installed in narrow areas, but the water head pressure difference between different nozzle rows increases causing meniscus breakage and liquid leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewidth of apparatusVSAvoidmeniscus stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional connection arrangement by connecting the farthest liquid tank to the nearest nozzle row when the carriage is at its farthest position, rather than connecting nearest tanks to nearest nozzles. This inversion minimizes the water head pressure difference across all nozzle rows, preventing meniscus breakage while maintaining the compact vertical configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection parameters (which tank connects to which nozzle row) based on the carriage position parameter. By dynamically optimizing the tank-nozzle row pairing according to carriage location, the system minimizes water head pressure variations and maintains stable jetting characteristics throughout the carriage's movement range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the carriage reciprocates in the vertical direction carrying the liquid jetting head, then the apparatus can be compact and stylish, but the water head pressure acting on the meniscus changes during movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidjetting characteristic stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the optimal connection arrangement between liquid tanks and nozzle rows before the carriage begins its reciprocating motion. The connections are configured in advance to minimize water head pressure differences across the entire range of motion, ensuring stable jetting characteristics without requiring real-time adjustment during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple liquid tanks are arranged vertically and connected to multiple nozzle rows, then the apparatus can function with multiple liquids, but the pressure differences can destroy the meniscus and cause liquid to leak from nozzles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-liquid capabilityVSAvoidliquid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the inversion principle by connecting the farthest liquid tank to the nearest nozzle row when the carriage is at its farthest position, rather than following the intuitive nearest-to-nearest connection. This counterintuitive arrangement equalizes the water head pressure across all nozzle rows, preventing meniscus destruction and liquid leakage while maintaining multi-liquid functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 allows for a compact, stylish, and efficient vertically long liquid jetting apparatus that can be installed in narrow areas while reducing the risk of liquid leakage due to meniscus breakage, maintaining effective jetting characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

a water head pressure between the liquid jetting head and the liquid tank acts as a pressure exerted on a meniscus which is formed in a nozzle of the liquid jetting head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater head pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a piezoelectric actuator 23 which applies a pressure to the liquid in the pressure chamber 34, thereby jetting the liquid from the nozzles 40

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a water head pressure between the liquid jetting head and the liquid tank acts as a pressure exerted on a meniscus which is formed in a nozzle of the liquid jetting head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Data Source

PatentUS8201929B2Liquid jetting apparatus

Publication Date: 2012.06.19 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A plurality of ink cartridges are installed to be arranged in a vertical direction. A carriage reciprocates in the vertical direction. An ink-jet head has nozzle rows arranged, in a row in the vertical direction, to be parallel mutually, and the ink cartridge is connected to the nozzle row via a tube. There is provided a vertically long and a stylish liquid jetting apparatus which can be installed vertically even in a narrow area.