Printing Cartridge Interfering Surface for Wrong Insertion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face issues with incorrect insertion of ink cartridges, leading to color mixing and potential damage to the electrical interface, which results in ink wastage and data loss.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an interfering surface positioned downward and frontward relative to the electrical interface, a light-blocking wall, and a protrusion to prevent incorrect insertion, ensuring the interfering surface does not contact the electrical interface during insertion and allowing for correct cartridge alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a key shape (concave or convex shape) is provided to prevent wrong insertion of ink cartridges, then ink mixing is prevented, but the electrical interface may be damaged during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion prevention function is segmented from the electrical interface. The interfering surface is positioned at a different location than the electrical interface, so that the mechanical key shape prevents wrong insertion without contacting the electrical interface during proper insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The interfering surface is positioned in a different spatial dimension (downward and frontward) relative to the electrical interface. This dimensional separation allows the key shape to function in the vertical/frontward direction while the electrical interface remains protected in its own spatial zone.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the interfering surface is positioned to prevent wrong insertion, then electrical interface damage is avoided, but wrong insertion detection capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light-blocking wall acts as an intermediary element between the interfering surface and the optical detector. It provides a detectable signal (by blocking light) that indicates wrong insertion, while the interfering surface itself remains positioned to protect the electrical interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical detection method (direct contact between key shape and sensor) is replaced with an optical detection system. The light-blocking wall provides optical signal for detection without requiring mechanical contact that could damage the electrical interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing-fluid cartridge is inserted into a prescribed insertion space of a cartridge-attachment section in an insertion direction crossing a gravitational direction to be attached thereto in an attached posture. The printing-fluid cartridge includes: a housing including a storage chamber, a supply portion having a supply hole, an electrical interface disposed at an upper surface of the housing, and an interfering surface. The interfering surface is positioned upward of the storage chamber and extends in a widthwise direction of the housing. The interfering surface is positioned downward and frontward relative to the electrical interface and is configured to abut against a projection provided at another insertion space different from the prescribed insertion space of the cartridge-attachment section during an insertion of the printing-fluid cartridge into the another insertion space.