Angled Clamp Flange Spout for Print Liquid Reservoir Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pliable reservoirs used in printing devices are difficult to handle and couple to ejection devices due to their lack of rigid structure, making proper alignment with the ejection device components challenging and affecting the reliability of liquid delivery.
Innovation Solution
A bag-in-box print liquid supply system with a pre-positioned, secured dispensing spout that includes a clamp plate assembly to rigidly affix the spout to the container, ensuring it remains stationary during installation and use, thereby establishing a liquid-tight path between the reservoir and the ejection device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pliable reservoir is used to hold print liquid, then the reservoir is easy to manufacture and cost-effective, but the reservoir is difficult to handle and couple to ejection devices due to lack of rigid structure
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply system is divided into two distinct segments: a pliable reservoir for holding liquid and a rigid container for structural support and handling. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its optimal function while resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and ease of handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The pliable reservoir is nested within the rigid container, creating a bag-in-box structure. This nesting arrangement combines the manufacturing advantages of pliable materials with the handling benefits of rigid structures, eliminating the need to choose between the two.
2Ease of manufacture
If a pliable reservoir is used, then manufacturing is simpler and cost-effective, but proper alignment with ejection device components is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the reservoir from the alignment-critical components and placing them in different structural segments (pliable vs. rigid), the system allows the rigid container to provide precise alignment features while the pliable reservoir maintains manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid container acts as an intermediary between the pliable reservoir and the ejection device, providing a stable, alignment-precise interface that compensates for the alignment challenges of pliable materials.
3Device complexity
If the spout is not rigidly secured, then the structure is simpler, but the spout may rotate or translate during installation and use, affecting reliability of liquid delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is merged with both the pliable reservoir (for fluid connection) and the rigid container (for positional stability). This dual connection ensures the spout remains securely positioned without requiring complex additional securing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout is pre-positioned and secured to the rigid container before the reservoir is attached. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and stability are established in advance, preventing rotation or translation during subsequent installation and use.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a spout for a print liquid reservoir is described. The spout includes a sleeve having an opening through which print liquid passes. A first flange extends outward from the sleeve to affix the spout to the print liquid reservoir. A second flange extends outward from the sleeve to sit on a wall a container in which the print liquid reservoir is disposed. The spout also includes an angled clamp flange having an angled surface and a straight surface opposite the angled surface. The angled clamp flange is to affix the spout to the container.