Elastic Locking Fitting Tool for Thin Liquid Absorbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for fitting liquid absorbers into caps in liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as inkjet printers, are cumbersome and prone to deformation, especially for thin and small absorbers, requiring thermal caulking which complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A fitting tool with a holding portion to securely grasp the liquid absorber and an elastic locking portion that can be inserted into the cap without the need for pre-existing concave portions, allowing for easy and stable fitting by locking onto the cap's ejection or standby opening passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal caulking is used to fix the liquid absorber in the cap, then the liquid absorber is securely fixed, but the fitting operation becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal caulking system with a mechanical locking system. The fitting tool includes a locking portion that mechanically engages with the cap structure, eliminating the need for thermal caulking devices and hot melt adhesive applicators. This mechanical approach simplifies the overall system while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting tool serves as an intermediary device that facilitates the fitting process. It includes a holding portion to grasp the liquid absorber and a locking portion that engages with the cap, acting as a mediator between the liquid absorber and the cap structure. This intermediary tool enables simple mechanical insertion without complex thermal processing equipment.
2Reliability
If thermal caulking is used to fix the liquid absorber, then secure fixation is achieved, but the operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion of the fitting tool is pre-configured to engage with the cap structure during insertion. The holding portion is designed to securely grasp the liquid absorber before insertion, preparing the entire assembly for immediate mechanical locking upon insertion. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for post-insertion thermal processing, significantly reducing operation time and improving productivity.
3Device complexity
If the liquid absorber is thin and small, then the cap structure is simplified, but the liquid absorber is prone to deformation during fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portion of the fitting tool provides protective support around the thin and small liquid absorber before and during insertion. This cushioning effect prevents deformation by distributing insertion forces evenly across the liquid absorber structure, protecting it from damage while maintaining the simple cap design.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding portion is designed with flexible characteristics that adapt to the thin profile of the liquid absorber. The flexible holding structure conforms to the liquid absorber's shape, providing support without rigid constraints that could cause deformation, while enabling secure grasping for precise insertion.
4Reliability
If conventional fitting methods are used, then the liquid absorber can be fixed, but pre-existing concave portions or locking features must be provided in the cap
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion of the fitting tool is designed to engage with various cap structures without requiring specific pre-formed locking features. The universal design of the locking mechanism allows it to interface with different cap geometries, eliminating the need for specialized concave portions or locking features in the cap while maintaining reliable fixation.
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
Facilitates easy and secure fitting of liquid absorbers into caps, even for thin and small models, without the need for thermal caulking, ensuring stable and efficient operation by eliminating the requirement for pre-existing locking features in the cap.
Implementation Method 1
a locking portion (51b, 52b) which has elasticity and is locked to a portion of the cap when the holding portion (51a, 52a) is inserted into the cap
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fitting tool for a liquid absorber which is included in a liquid ejecting apparatus having a liquid ejecting head for ejecting liquid from nozzle openings formed in a nozzle forming surface and fits the liquid absorber for absorbing the liquid in a cap which is capable of being abutted to the liquid ejecting head so as to cover the nozzle openings, the fitting tool including: a holding portion which holds the liquid absorber; and a locking portion which has elasticity and is locked to a portion of the cap when the holding portion is inserted into the cap.