Detachable Circuit Assembly for Printer Cartridge Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing devices struggle to obtain cartridge information when a cartridge without a memory module or electrical contacts is attached, requiring cumbersome adaptor exchange procedures.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge unit with a circuit assembly that includes a plate-like base member and a circuit substrate with a memory module, allowing the circuit assembly to be easily attached and detached without removing the cartridge, enabling communication through electrical contacts between the printer and the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional adaptor is used to enable communication when a cartridge without memory module or contacts is attached, then the printing device can obtain cartridge information, but the exchanging operation of the adaptor becomes troublesome requiring cartridge detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the adaptor into two independent parts: a cartridge attachment part that remains on the cartridge, and a circuit assembly that attaches to the printing device. This segmentation allows the circuit assembly to be exchanged independently without removing the cartridge, resolving the operational complexity while maintaining information acquisition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit assembly is extracted from the traditional integrated adaptor design and made as a separate detachable component. This extraction enables the circuit assembly to be independently attached or detached from the cartridge attachment part, allowing easy exchange without cartridge removal while still providing the necessary communication function.
2Ease of operation
If the circuit assembly thickness is larger than the distance between electrical contacts and cartridge side wall, then the circuit assembly can be easily positioned and attached, but the circuit assembly may interfere with the cartridge attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit assembly is designed with non-uniform thickness distribution, with thicker regions positioned to provide stable attachment and positioning features, and thinner regions in areas where space is constrained. This localized quality variation optimizes both positioning ease and spatial compatibility with the cartridge attachment geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge unit for a printer including a cartridge and a circuit assembly. The circuit assembly includes a base member and a circuit substrate having a memory module and a plurality of second electrical contacts. In a cartridge attached state, the circuit assembly is configured to be in a circuit assembly attached state where the circuit assembly is arranged between the plurality of first electrical contacts of the printer and the particular cartridge side wall, the plurality of first electrical contacts electrically contacting the plurality of second electrical contacts, respectively. In a circuit assembly unattached state, the circuit assembly is not arranged between the plurality of first electrical contacts and the particular cartridge side wall. A thickness of the circuit assembly is larger than a distance between the plurality of first electrical contacts and the particular cartridge side wall in the cartridge attached and the circuit assembly unattached state.