Cartridge Attachment Section Positional Optimization for Compact Ink Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in continuously consuming ink after the cartridge runs out and in accommodating cartridges with varying ink storage amounts without increasing the size of the apparatus, as the capacity of the subsidiary tank affects the ink transfer rate and user perception of ink consumption.
Innovation Solution
A liquid consumption apparatus with a cartridge and tank system that includes a first storage chamber, air communication ports, and a supply portion, allowing for efficient ink transfer and consumption, while maintaining a compact design by optimizing the positional relationships of protruding parts and base parts to accommodate different cartridge sizes without increasing the apparatus's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the capacity of the subsidiary tank is increased to extend the period during which image recording can be performed after cartridge empty, then the continuous operation duration is improved, but the amount of ink transferred from cartridge to subsidiary tank increases, causing longer transfer time and user perception of excessive ink consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into two separate storage chambers: a first storage chamber that communicates with the atmosphere and a second storage chamber that supplies ink to the subsidiary tank. This segmentation allows independent management of ink reservoirs, enabling the system to maintain a smaller overall cartridge capacity while still providing extended operation through the subsidiary tank.
Solution Approach 2:
A supply portion is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second storage chambers. This supply portion controls the flow of ink from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber, regulating the transfer rate to match the consumption rate, thereby preventing excessive ink accumulation and reducing the required capacity of the subsidiary tank.
2Ease of manufacture
If cartridges with different ink storage amounts are designed with different outer shapes to help users recognize differences, then user recognition is improved, but the outer shape cannot freely change due to fixed positions of components like ink supply portion and engaged part
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a protruding part that extends in the insertion direction from the cartridge body. This adds a new dimensional feature to the cartridge shape that does not interfere with the fixed positions of the ink supply portion and engaged part. Users can easily recognize different ink storage amounts by the varying lengths or positions of these protruding parts, while the core functional components remain in their required positions.
3Quantity of substance
If the cartridge length in the insertion direction is increased to accommodate larger ink storage capacity, then the ink storage amount is improved, but the apparatus size in the depth direction must be increased to accommodate the elongated cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The second storage chamber is positioned inside the cartridge body, nested within the overall structure. The protruding part extends outward without increasing the main cartridge body dimensions. This nesting arrangement allows the cartridge to maintain a compact form factor while still providing sufficient ink storage capacity through the internal second storage chamber and the extended protruding portion.
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
Enables continuous ink consumption after the cartridge is empty and allows for the use of various cartridge sizes with different ink storage amounts without enlarging the apparatus, reducing ink flow during attachment and enhancing user recognition of ink levels.
Implementation Method 1
a water head difference, ink flows from the ink cartridge 30 to the tank 103
Data Source
AI summary
In a state where a supply portion of a cartridge is connected to a connecting portion of a cartridge attachment section, a first base part and a first protruding part of the cartridge and a second base part and a second protruding part of the cartridge attachment section have the following positional relationship:as viewed in the horizontal direction, the first base part is overlapped with both of the second base part and second protruding part, the first protruding part is overlapped with the second base part, but is not overlapped with the second protruding part; andas viewed in the vertical direction, the first base part is not overlapped with the second base part, and is not overlapped with the second protruding part, and the first protruding part is overlapped with the second protruding part, but is not overlapped with the second base part.