Asymmetric Liquid Holding Container for Industrial Printers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large-scale liquid consuming apparatuses, such as industrial printers, face challenges with existing liquid holding containers due to their size and design, which make it difficult for users to introduce ink without risking damage to the apparatus or overflowing ink, especially when the container's volume is increased to accommodate larger ink needs.

Innovation Solution

A liquid holding container design where the inlet port is positioned outside the apparatus with a portion inserted inside, featuring a configuration where the bottom section of the outside portion is lower than the inside portion, allowing for easier handling and reducing the risk of damage or inclining, with a larger volume outside to facilitate easier ink introduction and monitoring, and an outlet port positioned inside to prevent disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the volume of the liquid holding container is increased to accommodate large scale printing, then the ink storage capacity is improved, but the container becomes difficult to move and handle during ink introduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink storage capacityVSAvoidcontainer handling during ink introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid holding container is divided into two functional parts: a first part positioned outside the liquid consuming apparatus for ink introduction operations, and a second part inserted into the apparatus for stable mounting and liquid supply. This segmentation allows the large container to be handled more easily during ink introduction while maintaining stable operation during printing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first part of the container acts as an intermediary between the user and the main storage body. Users interact with the first part for ink introduction, which is positioned outside the apparatus for ease of access, while the second part remains securely positioned inside the apparatus for stable liquid supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the inlet port is positioned outside the apparatus for easier ink introduction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of damage to the apparatus or overflowing ink increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink introduction accessibilityVSAvoidrisk of damage or overflow

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container is segmented into a first part for ink introduction and a second part for secure mounting. The first part extends outside the apparatus to provide easy access for ink introduction, while the second part remains inside the apparatus to prevent damage and overflow risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first part of the container extends in a direction outward from the apparatus, creating a spatial separation between the ink introduction interface and the apparatus body. This dimensional arrangement allows users to access the inlet port easily while maintaining a safe distance from potential damage zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the bottom section of the outside portion is lower than the inside portion, then the ease of operation for ink introduction is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink introduction convenienceVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container exhibits asymmetric structure where the first part (outside portion) has its bottom section positioned lower than the bottom section of the second part (inside portion). This asymmetric design facilitates easy ink introduction from above while maintaining structural integrity and proper liquid flow dynamics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2730416B1Liquid holding container and liquid consuming apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.01.15 SEIKO EPSON CORP

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AI summary

A liquid holding container includes an inlet port to which ink to be supplied to a printer is introduced. The liquid holding container has a first part where at least a portion is positioned to be outside the printer and a second part where at least a portion is inserted into the printer. At least a portion of the bottom section of the first part is lower than at least a portion of the bottom section of the second part.