Detachable Ink Container Assembly for Selective Component Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid container manufacturing methods, such as those described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Application No. 2019-198990, require welding the bag and liquid derivation member together, leading to the discarding of both components even if only one is unusable, hindering effective reuse.
Innovation Solution
The liquid container design allows for the separation and reuse of individual components like the bag body and derivation member, with adapters, by using detachable adapters and sealing units to maintain liquid-tight seals, enabling the recycling and remanufacturing of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the bag and liquid derivation member are welded together, then the liquid-tight seal is maintained, but the components cannot be separated for selective reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into multiple detachable parts: a first adapter portion connected to the bag body and a second adapter portion connected to the liquid derivation member. These portions can be separated from each other, allowing selective reuse of components while maintaining liquid-tight sealing when connected. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling component separation without compromising the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is inserted into the adapter portions and nested within the connection structure. The sealing member fits inside the adapter portions, creating a nested configuration that maintains liquid-tight sealing while allowing the adapter portions to be detached and reattached. This nested design enables selective reuse while preserving seal integrity.
2Loss of substance
If the bag and liquid derivation member are welded together, then the liquid-tight seal is maintained, but waste increases when only one component is unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable adapter design allows the bag body and liquid derivation member to be separated and recovered independently. When one component becomes unusable, only that specific component needs to be discarded while the other can be reused. This prevents the waste of functional components that would otherwise be discarded together in welded constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the connection system into detachable adapter portions, the invention enables selective replacement of only the necessary component rather than the entire assembly. This reduces material waste while the manufacturing process remains straightforward through modular assembly.
3Ease of repair
If detachable adapters are used to enable component separation, then selective reuse is possible, but the liquid-tight seal may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member acts as an intermediary element between the first and second adapter portions. It is inserted into both portions to create a liquid-tight seal at the connection interface. This intermediary sealing component ensures that the detachable connection maintains reliable liquid-tight sealing while allowing for component separation and reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is nested within the adapter portions, fitting inside the connection structure. This nested configuration ensures that the sealing member is properly positioned and secured while maintaining the liquid-tight seal. The nesting design provides reliable sealing while preserving the detachable nature of the connection for component reuse.
Data Source
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AI summary
An object is to provide an ink container (101) that allows for reuse of as many members as possible and may contribute to realization of a sustainable society such as a decarbonized/recycling society. The ink container (101) includes a bag body (201), a derivation member (202), and a fixation unit. The bag body (201) is configured to be able to contain an ink. The derivation member (202) is configured to be able to derive the ink from inside to outside of the bag body (201). The fixation unit is configured to be able to fix the bag body (201) and the derivation member (202) detachably.