External Filter with Hydraulic Couplings for Inkjet Printer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers require frequent replacement of filters, which is cumbersome and costly, especially for consumers who need to open the housing and replace the filter manually without specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
The design features a filter housed externally with hydraulic couplings and mating couplings that allow for easy detachment and reattachment without tools, using self-closing valves for a secure, liquid-tight connection, reducing the effort and cost associated with filter replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the filter is integrated inside the housing requiring manual opening and replacement, then the filter can be replaced, but the user effort and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is extracted from the internal housing and positioned externally on the housing surface. This allows the filter to be accessed and replaced without opening the housing, significantly reducing user effort and complexity while maintaining filter functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The filter replacement system is designed to be self-sufficient with external access points and coupling mechanisms that enable users to perform maintenance without specialized tools or expertise, making the system self-service friendly
2Ease of repair
If the filter is accessed by opening the housing, then the filter can be replaced, but the housing complexity and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter access function is extracted from the housing opening mechanism and implemented as an external coupling system. This eliminates the need for housing disassembly while providing filter accessibility, reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system is segmented from the main housing structure, with independent external coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows the filter to be accessed and replaced without affecting the housing structure, simplifying the overall system
3Reliability
If the filter is replaced frequently, then the printing process can be maintained, but the time and cost for maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is positioned externally with easy-access coupling mechanisms before replacement is needed. This preliminary arrangement allows for rapid filter changes without time-consuming disassembly procedures, maintaining printing continuity while reducing maintenance time
Solution Approach 2:
The external filter design enables users to perform rapid replacements without specialized assistance, reducing both time and cost of maintenance while ensuring reliable printing process continuity
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 easier and cleaner filter replacement without the need for specialized tools, reducing user effort and maintenance costs while maintaining a secure mechanical and liquid-tight connection.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the two hydraulic couplings includes a mechanical connector and an automatically closing first valve... Each hydraulic mating coupling has a mechanical counter-connector adapted to couple with a corresponding mechanical connector... When the two hydraulic couplings and the two hydraulic mating couplings are joined, the corresponding first and second pushers are in contact with each other and respectively maintain the corresponding first and second valve bodies which are connected to them in an opened state
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printer for the labeling of goods has a housing having outlet openings for ink droplets on a front face, a printing mechanism, and two hydraulic couplings that are accessible on the outside of the housing. Each hydraulic coupling has a mechanical connection part and an automatically closing first valve. Each automatically closing first valve has a first valve body and a first pusher connected to the first valve body. A filter has a filter housing in which the filter medium is accommodated and on which two hydraulic mating couplings are disposed that are accessible from the outside of the filter housing. In a joined state of the two hydraulic couplings and the hydraulic mating couplings, the pushers are each in contact with each other and respectively keep the valve bodies connected to them in an opened state.