Detachable Liquid Storage Stirring With Shaftless Magnetic Coupling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid storage apparatuses with stirring mechanisms lack user-friendliness, particularly in maintaining the uniformity of liquids prone to sedimentation, such as ink, which can lead to deposition and agglomeration of components over time.

Innovation Solution

A liquid storage apparatus with a detachable and rotatable storage unit, supported by a shaft-less structure, that allows for easy insertion and removal of storage containers, combined with a drive unit for automated stirring, ensuring uniform dispersion of liquid contents without the need for complex shaft and bearing mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional shaft and bearing mechanism is used for stirring, then the stirring function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertion and removal of storage containerVSAvoidcomplexity of shaft and bearing mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the complex shaft and bearing mechanisms from the stirring apparatus. Instead of using a traditional rotational drive system, the invention employs a simple magnetic coupling system where a magnet in the drive unit interacts with a magnet in the storage container to achieve stirring without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating the need for shafts and bearings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical shaft and bearing system with a magnetic field-based coupling system. The drive unit contains a magnet that magnetically couples with a magnet in the storage container, transmitting rotational force without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while maintaining the stirring function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the storage container is made detachable and rotatable, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of maintaining liquid uniformity may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of replacement and maintenance of storage containerVSAvoidreliability of maintaining liquid uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a preliminary stirring action that occurs automatically when the storage container is inserted into or removed from the drive unit. The magnetic coupling engages during insertion/removal operations, providing unintended stirring that helps maintain liquid uniformity before the container is even used, thus preparing the liquid for optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous stirring action by designing the magnetic coupling system to engage automatically whenever the storage container is rotated or inserted/removed. This creates continuous useful action (stirring) throughout the container's operation cycle, not just during dedicated stirring periods, thereby maintaining liquid uniformity reliably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If automated stirring is implemented, then the productivity improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of liquid stirring and dispersionVSAvoidcomplexity of drive unit and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service stirring system where the user's simple action of inserting or removing the storage container automatically engages the magnetic coupling and initiates stirring. The system serves itself by converting the user's routine operational movements into effective stirring action without requiring separate controls, buttons, or complex automation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the drive unit multi-functional by designing it to perform both storage container insertion/removal and stirring operations through the same magnetic coupling mechanism. The single drive unit serves multiple purposes: holding the container, stirring the liquid, and even providing preliminary stirring during insertion/removal, thereby improving productivity without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances user-friendliness by simplifying the replacement and maintenance of storage containers while effectively stirring and dispersing sedimented components, reducing user burden and improving liquid uniformity.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentEP4640438A1Liquid storage apparatus, liquid stirring apparatus, and control method

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 CANON KK

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A liquid storage apparatus (20A) including: a stirring portion including storage means configured to store liquid and drive means configured to drive the storage means; and a storage portion configured to store the stirring portion, the storage portion being opened and closed by an opening and closing member, wherein in a case where a stop condition relating to a state of the opening and closing member is satisfied, rotation of the storage means by the drive means is stopped.