Flexible Rib Storage Container for Liquid Cartridge Shock Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage containers for ink cartridges are prone to deformation and shock damage during distribution and handling, particularly due to the weight of the cartridges, which can lead to breakage of the print head cartridge.
Innovation Solution
A storage container design featuring a main body with a storage portion and flexible ribs arranged between the storage portion and the liquid cartridge, which protrude inwardly to absorb shocks and distribute pressure, combined with regular ribs to provide additional support and prevent displacement of the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a substantially cylindrical rib is formed on the storage container to prevent deformation due to temperature and pressure changes, then the storage container maintains structural stability, but the shock is transmitted to the liquid cartridge through the rib when dropped, potentially breaking the cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by forming a rib with a hollow cylindrical structure that contains a flexible membrane. This membrane allows the rib to deform elastically when shock is applied, absorbing the impact energy while maintaining the overall structural stability of the storage container. The flexible membrane enables the rib to act as a shock absorber rather than a rigid force transmitter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements prior cushioning by pre-forming the hollow cylindrical rib structure with internal flexible membranes during manufacturing. This structure is designed in advance to deform and absorb shock energy before it can reach the liquid cartridge, providing protective cushioning that activates automatically upon impact without requiring additional components or assembly.
2Shape
If the storage container is designed to be rigid to maintain shape during distribution, then deformation due to environmental changes is prevented, but shock from drops is transmitted directly to the liquid cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by incorporating flexible membranes within the rib structure. These membranes allow localized deformation to absorb shock energy while the overall container shape remains stable. The flexible membrane enables the rib to compress and expand elastically, providing shock resistance without sacrificing the container's external shape stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements composite material principles by combining rigid plastic material for the container body with flexible membrane structures within the ribs. This composite approach creates a multi-functional structure that simultaneously provides shape stability from the rigid outer shell and shock resistance from the flexible internal membranes.
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
The flexible ribs absorb shock and reduce the transmission of force to the cartridge, while regular ribs prevent excessive displacement, effectively protecting the ink cartridge from damage during drops and handling.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rib being flexible and arranged in a gap space formed between the storage portion and the liquid cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a storage container for a liquid cartridge, including: a main body having a storage portion in which to store the liquid cartridge, and an opening portion through which to put the liquid cartridge in and out; and at least one first rib being flexible and arranged in a gap space formed between the storage portion and the liquid cartridge in a state where the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage portion, the at least one first rib being arranged in the gap space so as to protrude in a direction along an inner surface of the storage portion and in an inward direction from the inner surface of the storage portion and extend from around a bottom of the storage portion facing the opening portion toward the opening portion.