Flexible Ink Container RFID Layout With Reduced Plastic Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink storage containers in ink ejection apparatuses rely on plastic materials for maintaining the position of information members, which contradicts the growing demand for minimizing plastic use to achieve a sustainable society.
Innovation Solution
Ink storage containers with flexible parts containing information members that can be read in a non-contact manner using optical or RFID-based devices, eliminating the need for plastic components to secure the position of these members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic materials are used to maintain the position of information members in ink storage containers, then reliable electrical connections are established, but plastic waste increases and sustainability goals are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the information member from the plastic housing structure and integrates it directly into the flexible film of the storage portion. This eliminates the need for separate plastic positioning components while maintaining the functionality of information storage and reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the information member with the flexible film material of the storage portion, creating an integrated structure where the film itself serves as both the container and the information carrier, eliminating redundant plastic components.
2Reliability
If plastic housing portions are used to position electrical contacts, then stable electrical connections are achieved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the plastic housing portion that previously positioned the electrical contacts and information member. The flexible film itself is configured to provide the necessary positioning and structural support, simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible film serves multiple functions: it contains the ink, positions the information member, and provides structural support for electrical contacts. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate plastic housing components.
3Loss of substance
If non-contact reading methods are used for information members in flexible storage portions, then plastic material usage is reduced, but reading reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based reading methods with non-contact optical or RFID reading methods. This allows the information member to be read through the flexible film material without physical contact, maintaining reading reliability while eliminating the need for rigid plastic housing.
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
Enables stable information reading while reducing plastic usage, contributing to a sustainable society by simplifying the structure and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the information member is configured such that the information readable by an optical reading device or an RFID-based reading device
Implementation Method 2
the information member is configured such that the information readable by an optical reading device or an RFID-based reading device
Data Source
AI summary
An ink storage container attachable to and detachable from an apparatus main body of an ink ejection apparatus includes: a storage portion that stores ink, the storage portion including an ink discharge portion capable of discharging the stored ink to an outside of the storage portion; and an information member that stores information capable of being read from the outside. In the ink storage container, the information member is provided in a flexible part of the storage portion and is configured to enable the information to be read in a non-contact manner from the outside and the information member is configured such that the information readable by an optical reading device or an RFID-based reading device. The technology described in this specification have the potential to contribute to the achievement of a sustainable society, such as a decarbonized society/circular society.