Print Fluid Cartridge Movable Electric Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ink cartridges face issues with ink splatter adhering to electronic components and contact points during insertion or removal, leading to unstable electrical connections and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A print fluid cartridge design with a movable electric interface that separates from the ink outlet during connection and disconnection, preventing ink from adhering to the electric interface by positioning it relative to the ink outlet, ensuring stable electrical contact and minimizing ink contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic component is disposed at a position remote from the ink outlet part to avoid contact with ink, then the reliability of the electronic component is improved, but the stability of the electric connection becomes worsened due to unstable positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of electronic componentVSAvoidstability of electric connection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The electric interface is made movable relative to the main body, transitioning between a first position (remote from ink outlet) and a second position (close to ink outlet). This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt during operation: positioned away from ink during normal use for reliability, and positioned close to ink outlet during connection/disconnection operations to ensure stable electrical contact and prevent ink adhesion issues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The main body is designed to support the electric interface at the second position in advance during the connection operation, ensuring that the electric interface is properly positioned and supported before ink connection occurs. This preliminary positioning action prevents ink from adhering to the electric interface while maintaining stable electrical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the electric interface is positioned close to the ink outlet part to ensure stable connection, then the stability of electric connection is improved, but ink may adhere to the electric interface causing harmful effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of electric connectionVSAvoidink adhesion to electric interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electric interface moves dynamically between positions. During normal operation, it is positioned at the first position away from the ink outlet to prevent ink adhesion. During connection and disconnection operations, it transitions to the second position close to the ink outlet where stable electrical contact is needed, and the main body supports it against contact pressure to prevent ink adhesion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The main body acts as an intermediary that supports the electric interface at the second position during connection operations. This support function prevents the electric interface from being directly exposed to ink contact pressure, thereby preventing ink adhesion while maintaining stable electrical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2653313B1Print fluid cartridge having electric interface
Publication Date: 2016.12.28 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP2653313B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2653313B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2653313B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a print fluid cartridge a main body has a front surface facing in a front direction. A print fluid outlet part is provided on the main body, has an opening at the front surface, and is configured to be connected with the connecting part and direct the print fluid from the chamber to the connecting part. An electric interface is provided at an external surface of the main body. The electric interface is configured to move relative to the main body in the forward direction and in the rearward direction between a first position and a second position that are apart from each other in the forward direction and the rearward direction. The main body is configured to support the electric interface at the second position against contact pressure that is applied to the electric interface from the contact member.