Deformable Light-Blocking Portion for Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet-recording devices face issues with the irradiated portion of the ink cartridge being susceptible to damage from external impacts due to its protruding design, which can disrupt the functionality of the optical sensor detection mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A deformable light-blocking portion is integrated into the ink cartridge, allowing it to absorb impacts and maintain functionality by returning to its original shape, with a design that includes shorter dimensions and a resilient material to enhance opacity and absorb external forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light blocking portion protrudes outward from the casing to enable optical sensor detection, then the detection function is improved, but the light blocking portion becomes susceptible to external impacts and may break
Solution Approach 1:
The light blocking portion is made from a flexible material that allows it to deform under external impact forces, preventing breakage while maintaining the protruding structure necessary for optical sensor detection
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the light blocking portion are changed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adjust its physical state in response to external forces while preserving its light-blocking function
2Stability of the object's composition
If the light blocking portion is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then structural stability is improved, but the light blocking portion cannot absorb external impacts and is prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The light blocking portion uses flexible material that can deform to absorb impact energy, reducing vulnerability to external forces while maintaining sufficient structural stability through material elasticity
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible material inherently provides cushioning capability before impact occurs, allowing the light blocking portion to absorb external forces through deformation rather than rigid resistance
3Reliability
If the light blocking portion has larger dimensions to ensure adequate light blocking, then light blocking effectiveness is improved, but the light blocking portion becomes more prone to damage from external impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material allows the light blocking portion to maintain adequate dimensions for effective light blocking while being able to deform under impact, reducing susceptibility to damage compared to rigid structures of the same size
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 deformable light-blocking portion effectively reduces the risk of damage from impacts while maintaining its light-blocking functionality, ensuring reliable operation of the ink cartridge within the inkjet-recording device.
Implementation Method 1
a light blocking portion 67 made from a flexible material and positioned on the top surface 39 of the cartridge body 31
Implementation Method 2
the light blocking portion 67 is deformable by external forces. Therefore, if the light blocking portion incurs an external impact when the liquid cartridge is dropped, for example, the light blocking portion can deform to absorb this impact, thereby reducing the potential for damage to the light blocking portion. In addition, the light blocking portion can return to its original shape once the external force is removed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid cartridge is configured to be inserted into a cartridge-attachment section including a casing and a light blocking portion. The casing includes a liquid chamber; a liquid passage extending in a first direction; and a top surface facing upward. The light blocking portion is deformable between a non-deformed state and a deformed state. The light blocking portion, at least in the non-deformed state, is configured to block or attenuate light emitted from the cartridge-attachment section and traveling in a widthwise direction crossing the first direction and a gravitational direction in an upright posture. The light blocking portion in the non-deformed state is configured to be deformed to the deformed state by an external force. The light blocking portion returns to the non-deformed state when the external force is removed from the light blocking portion in the deformed state.