Detachable Liquid Supply Unit Below Printer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid supply systems for printers often require additional space and design modifications to accommodate more ink containers or increased ink capacity, leading to size expansion and usability issues, especially in limited installation spaces.

Innovation Solution

A liquid supply unit with a detachable housing located below the printer, featuring a liquid container with a visible introduction portion and electrical connection structure, which allows for easy connection and positioning, reducing the need for horizontal expansion and stabilizing the system with a lower center of gravity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the liquid container is placed above the liquid consuming apparatus, then the liquid supply is simplified, but the center of gravity rises and stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid supply configurationVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional placement by positioning the liquid container below the liquid consuming apparatus instead of above it. This inversion resolves the contradiction by maintaining simplified liquid supply through the liquid introduction portion while simultaneously lowering the center of gravity to improve system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Quantity of substance

If additional ink containing bags and cartridge cases are provided next to the paper exit portion, then the ink supply capacity is increased, but the horizontal size of the printer expands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink capacityVSAvoidhorizontal installation area

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal placement to vertical placement of the liquid container. By positioning the container below the apparatus and using a detachable housing configuration, the system increases ink capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the space constraint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the unit housing is detachably mounted below the liquid consuming apparatus, then the horizontal size is reduced and adaptability is improved, but the connection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidmounting and connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a detachable housing that can be mounted and removed as needed. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between different operational states (connected/disconnected) and provides flexibility for maintenance, replacement, or configuration changes while maintaining a simplified permanent installation footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10137694B2Liquid supply unit and liquid consumption system

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

There is provided a liquid supply unit provided with a liquid container that is configured to supply a liquid to a liquid consuming apparatus. The liquid supply unit includes a unit housing located below the liquid consuming apparatus and configured to be detachably mounted to the liquid consuming apparatus; the liquid container configured to be placed inside of the unit housing and provided with a liquid supply portion that is arranged to flow out the liquid; and a liquid introduction portion configured to be connected with the liquid supply portion and to flow the liquid from the liquid supply portion to the liquid consuming apparatus, the liquid introduction portion.