Cartridge Fixation Structure for Stable Liquid Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejection devices face issues with the stability of cartridge mounting, leading to unstable ink supplying and electrical connections, which can result in connection failures and damage over time due to improper posture and excessive stress.

Innovation Solution

A cartridge design with a housing and fixation structure that restricts movement in the Y direction, utilizing a cartridge side fixation structure and electrical connection part to engage with the device side fixation and electrical connection parts, ensuring proper posture and reducing Z-direction force components, thus stabilizing the connection and preventing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cartridge is mounted without a fixation structure, then the mounting operation is simple, but the connection state becomes unstable and deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting operation simplicityVSAvoidconnection state stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation structure is divided into a device side fixation structure and a cartridge side fixation structure, with the cartridge side fixation structure integrated into the cartridge case. This segmentation allows the fixation function to be distributed, maintaining simple mounting operations while providing stable long-term connection through the engaged fixation structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge side fixation structure is configured to automatically engage with the device side fixation structure when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge accommodation part. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional manual fixation steps, keeping the mounting operation simple while ensuring reliable connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cartridge is mounted without proper posture restriction, then the mounting process is flexible, but excessive stress is generated and damage or degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidexcessive stress and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge case is designed with an asymmetric width configuration where the width in the Z direction is smaller than the width in the Y and X directions. This asymmetric design, combined with the fixation structure engagement, restricts the cartridge to a specific mounting posture, preventing excessive stress while maintaining mounting flexibility through the self-aligning engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation structures are pre-configured on both the device side and cartridge side to automatically engage when the cartridge is inserted. This preliminary anti-action prevents the cartridge from assuming incorrect postures that would generate excessive stress, thereby protecting against damage before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Volume of moving object

If the cartridge width in Z direction is increased, then the electrical connection part has more space, but the mounting posture stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection part spaceVSAvoidmounting posture stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection part is positioned locally within the cartridge case at a specific location where it can function effectively without increasing the overall Z-direction width. The cartridge side electrical connection part is configured to contact the device side electrical connection part while receiving a force having a component of at least the +Z direction, providing adequate connection space within the constrained dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing the Z-direction width to provide space for the electrical connection part, the design utilizes the Y and X directions more effectively. The electrical connection part is arranged in a position that overlaps with the fixation structure when viewed in the Z direction, allowing adequate connection space while maintaining mounting posture stability through the fixed Z-direction dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10449772B2Cartridge and liquid ejection system

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A cartridge includes: a case; an accommodation part inside of the case; a liquid leading-out port; a cartridge side electrical connection part; and a cartridge side fixation structure. Engagement of the device side fixation structure and the cartridge side fixation structure restricts moving the case in a state of being imparted with the force directing to −Z direction. The cartridge side fixation structure and the cartridge side electrical connection part overlap with each other at least in a part when the cartridge is viewed in Z directions. A width of the cartridge in the Z direction is smaller than a width in Y direction and a width in the X directions.