Cartridge Groove Section Prevents Supply Port Deviation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing material supply systems face issues with positional deviation of multiple printing material supply ports, leading to defects in material supply, incorrect material dispensing, and potential damage to devices or cartridges during mounting and operation.

Innovation Solution

A cartridge design with strategically positioned groove sections and latching mechanisms that align with the printer's partition plate and terminal platform, preventing positional deviation of supply ports and terminals, and incorporating inclined surfaces to stabilize the cartridge during mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple printing material supply ports are arranged in one row on the bottom surface of the cartridge, then the cartridge can supply printing material to the printing device, but positional deviation of the supply ports occurs during mounting and operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting material supply capabilityVSAvoidpositional accuracy of supply ports
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The partition plate serves as an intermediary element between the cartridge body and the printing device. By providing a dedicated mounting surface on the partition plate that interfaces with the cartridge, the system achieves precise positioning of multiple supply ports without requiring direct mounting of the cartridge to the printing device. This intermediary structure eliminates positional deviation while maintaining efficient material supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the cartridge is mounted directly on the printing device, then the structure is simple, but positional deviation causes defects in material supply and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge mounting structureVSAvoidmaterial supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The partition plate acts as a mediator that provides a stable mounting interface between the cartridge and printing device. This intermediary structure ensures reliable positioning of the supply ports, preventing defects and potential damage while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The partition plate is pre-positioned within the printing device with a dedicated mounting surface that ensures correct alignment. This preliminary positioning action prevents positional deviation before the cartridge is mounted, ensuring reliable material supply from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If groove sections are added to the cartridge to prevent positional deviation, then positioning accuracy improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional accuracy of supply portsVSAvoidcartridge manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge structure is segmented to include distinct groove sections that receive the partition plate. These grooves are strategically positioned to guide and secure the cartridge in the correct orientation. The segmentation approach allows for precise positioning while keeping each individual component relatively simple to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than complicating the entire cartridge structure, groove sections are added only at specific locations where positioning is needed. This local modification approach improves positional accuracy without significantly increasing overall manufacturing complexity, as the grooves are simple features integrated into the cartridge body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2682270B1Printing material supply system and cartridge
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP2682270B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2682270B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2682270B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The cartridge comprises a plurality of printing material supply ports. The plurality of printing material supply ports are projecting from a first surface in a -Z axial direction to correspond to each of a plurality of printing material supply pipes provided on the printing device. A groove section is provided to be concave more to a +Z axial direction side than the first surface, and provided between two of the printing material supply ports adjacent to each other. The groove section receives the partition plate when the printing material, supply ports are connected to the printing material supply pipes.