Cartridge Lever Segmentation for Terminal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cartridge and printing apparatus systems face challenges in maintaining stable electrical connections between cartridge and printer terminals, leading to poor communication and increased size and cost due to bulky levers and vibration issues, with a need for size reduction and improved usability.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design with a rotatable lever and restriction elements that apply a resilient force to maintain terminal alignment, allowing for fine adjustment and reduced material constraints, enabling stable electrical connections and size reduction of both the cartridge and printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the anchoring portion is disposed far away from the cartridge terminals to allow user access, then the lever can be operated easily, but the positioning accuracy of the cartridge terminals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is divided into two functional sections: a first lever section that directly contacts the anchoring portion for precise terminal positioning, and a second lever section that extends to the operating member for user access. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently - the first section for precision and the second for operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first lever section acts as an intermediary between the operating member and the anchoring portion. It transmits the user's operating force while maintaining precise positioning of the anchoring portion relative to the cartridge terminals, thus mediating between the need for user access and terminal positioning accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the lever is made long enough to be accessible by the user, then the lever can be operated easily, but the cartridge size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is configured to extend in the width direction of the cartridge rather than increasing its length. The operating member protrudes from the side wall in the width direction, allowing user access without increasing the cartridge's length in the main direction.
3Ease of operation
If the lever projects far away from the side wall, then the lever can be operated easily, but the printer size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member is positioned to extend in the width direction of the cartridge, utilizing the width dimension rather than projecting forward in the length direction. This allows the lever to be accessible while minimizing the increase in printer footprint area.
4Ease of operation
If the lever is made flexible to allow elastic deformation, then the lever can be operated easily, but the cartridge material options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is segmented into a first lever section made of flexible material for elastic deformation during operation, and a second lever section that can be made of different materials. This segmentation allows the flexible portion to provide the necessary elasticity while the other portion can use materials optimized for other properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is constructed as a composite structure with at least two different materials: a flexible material for the first lever section that requires elastic deformation, and potentially a different material for the second lever section or operating member. This composite construction provides both flexibility and manufacturing flexibility.
5Device complexity
If the lever is formed integrally with the cartridge, then the structure is simplified, but the lever may plastically deform under operation
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is divided into at least two separate sections: a first lever section that contacts the anchoring portion and a second lever section that includes the operating member. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently and reduces the risk of plastic deformation by distributing stresses more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever sections are made of at least two different materials, with the first lever section using a flexible material that allows elastic deformation without plastic deformation. This material differentiation enhances the lever's durability by preventing permanent deformation under operational stresses.
6Reliability
If the anchoring portion is securely engaged with the printer, then the connection is stable, but vibration is transmitted to the cartridge terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The first lever section acts as a vibration-isolating intermediary between the anchoring portion and the cartridge terminals. It transmits the stabilizing engagement force while its flexible nature filters out high-frequency vibrations, preventing them from reaching the terminals.
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
The solution ensures stable electrical connections, reduces the risk of misalignment and deformation, and minimizes the size of the cartridge and printer, enhancing user experience and reducing costs through improved manufacturing flexibility and packaging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus-side terminals are adapted to be in contact with the cartridge to apply a force, which can be a resilient or elastic force, to the cartridge in a specified direction including a +Z-axis direction component
Implementation Method 2
The lever rotates about a specified position between the operating member and the first apparatus-side restriction element as an axis of rotation
Implementation Method 3
a first cartridge-side restriction portion having an engagement portion configured to engage with the first apparatus-side restriction element and thereby restrict motion of the cartridge in the +Z-axis direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cartridge (20) comprises an ink supply structure (280), a terminal bearing structure (408), and a first restriction portion (210). The terminal bearing structure (408) has terminals (400) arranged in a terminal plane which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to a plane defined by a mounting direction leading edge of the ink supply structure (280), so that the contact portions of the terminals (400) receive a force in a direction opposite (RD) from the mounting direction. An engagement portion of the first restriction portion (210) is provided at a position adjacent to the terminal bearing structure (408).