Deformable Ink Tank Squeezing Mechanism for Writing Instruments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional writing instruments with filler systems waste 20% to 30% of ink due to their configuration, leaving significant ink unused in the tank after the last use.
Innovation Solution
A writing instrument featuring a deformable ink tank and a deformation device that squeezes the tank along its longitudinal and transverse axes, allowing nearly all ink to be dispensed to the writing tip, with a slider mechanism and actuating member to efficiently move ink towards the tip, ensuring minimal residual ink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a conventional filler system is used in a writing instrument, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but 20% to 30% of ink remains unused in the tank after the last use
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is designed as deformable rather than rigid, allowing it to be compressed along its longitudinal axis. The deformation device dynamically changes the tank's volume by applying compression forces, enabling complete ink extraction. This dynamic approach transforms a static ink storage system into an active extraction system that can fully utilize the ink supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation device utilizes a piston mechanism that moves within the tank, creating pressure differential to force ink toward the writing tip. By mechanically compressing the ink volume and creating hydraulic pressure, the system overcomes capillary action limitations and ensures complete ink dispensing without leaving residual ink in the tank.
2Productivity
If the tank is deformed to its most squeezed state to dispense maximum ink, then ink dispensing efficiency is improved, but the tank structure must withstand high compression forces
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is constructed with flexible, deformable walls that can withstand compression forces while changing shape. The deformable structure allows the tank to be compressed along its longitudinal axis without rupturing, enabling the piston to move freely and extract complete ink supply. The flexibility of the tank walls is essential for achieving maximum ink dispensing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the tank from rigid to deformable, allowing volume reduction through compression. By altering the mechanical properties of the tank structure, the system enables high compression forces to be applied during ink extraction while maintaining structural integrity throughout the deformation process.
3Loss of substance
If a piston mechanism is used to compress the ink, then complete ink extraction is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation device is divided into modular components: a piston, compression springs, and guiding mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard machining processes and then assembled into the complete deformation device. The modular approach reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve complete ink extraction through coordinated component action.
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 novel configuration enables the use of almost all ink in the tank, leaving less than 10% of ink remaining after the last use, improving ink dispensing efficiency compared to conventional instruments.
Implementation Method 1
a deformation device configured to squeeze the deformable tank along the longitudinal axis X so as to move forward towards the writing tip the ink contained in the deformable tank
Implementation Method 2
the deformation device is further configured to squeeze the deformable tank in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis X
Implementation Method 3
the deformable tank is a porous or fibrous tank
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A writing instrument (10) comprises: -a hollow body (12) having a first end (12a) and a second opposite end (12b) along a longitudinal axis (X); -a deformable tank (20) inside the hollow body and containing ink; -a writing tip (14) disposed at the first end (12a) of the hollow body and in fluid communication with the deformable tank (20); -a deformation device (22) configured to squeeze the deformable tank (20) along the longitudinal axis (X) so as to move forward towards the writing tip (14) the ink contained in the deformable tank (20).