Compact Ink Cartridge Layout With Switchable Contact Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet print apparatuses require complex refilling processes that can lead to ink spillage and environmental contamination, and elongated cartridges hinder user convenience and terminal connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A compact cartridge design with an ink accommodation section, conduit member, recording medium, access terminal, and holding member that allows for easy refilling by replacement, preventing spillage and ensuring terminal connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large reservoir is provided on the print head to increase ink capacity, then the ink capacity is improved, but the refilling process becomes complicated and prone to spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable ink cartridges that are replaced rather than refilled. The cartridge includes an ink container, conduit member, and recording medium that are integrated into a single replaceable unit. When ink is depleted, the entire cartridge is removed and replaced with a new one, eliminating the need for complex refilling operations and preventing spillage associated with opening reservoir lids and pouring ink.
2Quantity of substance
If the cartridge is made elongated to increase capacity, then the ink capacity is improved, but the cartridge length protruding from the housing increases, reducing user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from increasing cartridge capacity by extending length to increasing capacity through vertical stacking within the housing. Multiple cartridges can be arranged in layers or stacked configurations, allowing the print head to access different cartridges sequentially. This dimensional reorganization maintains a compact footprint while providing sufficient ink capacity for extended operation.
3Loss of information
If a recording medium is provided in the cartridge for ink quality control, then the information recording function is improved, but the terminal connectivity may fail due to electrical connection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a contactless communication system as an intermediary between the cartridge's recording medium and the print head's control unit. Instead of relying on physical electrical contacts that may fail due to oxidation or misalignment, the system uses electromagnetic fields (such as RFID or NFC technology) to transmit data. This allows the recording medium to communicate ink quality and cartridge information reliably without requiring direct electrical connection, thus maintaining both information recording and connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge is made compact in a height direction, and connectivity of terminals provided in the cartridge is improved. The cartridge includes an outer case, a recording medium that records information regarding the cartridge, an access terminal that is electrically connected to the recording medium and is accessed from a terminal on a side of a drawing machine via a cartridge receiving section, and a holding member that holds the recording medium and the access terminal and is supported by the outer case to be switchable between an advanced position where the access terminal is in contact with the terminal on the side of the drawing machine and a retracted position where the access terminal is away from the terminal on the side of the drawing machine.