Detachable Ink Supply Set for Reducing Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid supply systems for inkjet printers, where the ink bag and guiding portion are integrally coupled, result in waste when the guiding portion is damaged, as the entire ink bag must be replaced, leading to inefficiency and waste of ink.
Innovation Solution
A detachable liquid supply set with independent liquid containing and guiding portions, allowing for individual replacement, and includes features like flexible materials and air/liquid introduction paths to manage pressure and waste reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the ink bag and guiding portion are integrally coupled together, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but when the guiding portion is damaged the entire ink bag must be replaced causing ink waste
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply bag is divided into two independent replaceable parts: the ink containing portion (bag) and the connection portion (guiding portion with connection features). This segmentation allows the guiding portion to be replaced separately when damaged, preventing waste of the ink in the bag, while maintaining simple manufacturing of each individual component.
2Ease of operation
If the ink bag and guiding portion are integrally coupled together, then replacement is straightforward, but the liquid is likely to go to waste when damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ink supply bag into replaceable portions, the system enables selective replacement of only the damaged connection portion while preserving the ink-containing bag, thus maintaining ease of replacement operations while eliminating ink waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the undamaged ink containing portion to be recovered and reused after replacing only the damaged connection portion, rather than discarding the entire ink bag as would happen with integral coupling.
3Device complexity
If the ink bag and guiding portion are integrally coupled together, then the number of components is reduced, but individual replacement of damaged parts becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply bag is segmented into the ink containing portion and the connection portion with flow path unit, allowing individual replacement of damaged components while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure with minimal connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection portion serves multiple functions: guiding ink flow, providing engagement features for mounting, and enabling electrical connections. This multi-functionality in a single replaceable module reduces the need for additional separate components while enabling easy replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ink supply set configured to detach from a liquid supply apparatus and includes an ink containing portion, a connection unit, an ink guiding portion having an engaging portion, a flow path unit that guides the ink in the ink containing portion to the ink guiding portion, a circuit board, and a substrate installation portion. The liquid supply apparatus includes a liquid introduction portion into which ink is introduced via the ink guiding portion, and a movable support portion that supports the connection unit. In a state in which the engaging portion is engaged with a first engaged portion formed in the movable support portion, the circuit board comes into contact with an electrical connection portion provided in the liquid supply apparatus, and in the removed position, the circuit board is separated from the electrical connection portion.