Hand Stamp Ink Metering via Pan Support and Sealed Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stamps, known as 'pre-ink-stamps,' face challenges with inaccurate metering of ink introduction and prolonged saturation times, as the ink saturation process is uncontrolled and lacks precision, leading to inefficient ink usage and assembly complexities.
Innovation Solution
A stamp design featuring a pan-shaped support element with sealed openings for liquid-tight ink storage, allowing for precise filling of a predefined ink volume before assembly, where the ink storage body absorbs ink only after being inserted and the support element is rotated, enabling accurate metering and reduced saturation time, along with a sealing element like foil for long-term storage and easy refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stamp ink is added to the pan-shaped support element during assembly, then the ink storage body can be saturated with ink, but the saturation process is uncontrolled and metering accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is pre-filled with a predefined volume of stamp ink before assembly, and the ink storage body is pre-positioned to receive the ink. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex saturation control during assembly, as the ink is already metered and ready for transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the pan-shaped support element for ink storage, the ink storage body for ink absorption, and the printing plate. This segmentation allows independent preparation and assembly of each component, simplifying the overall saturation process while maintaining metering accuracy.
2Productivity
If the ink storage body is saturated before assembly, then the stamp is ready for use, but the saturation time is very long
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is pre-filled with ink and the ink storage body is pre-positioned during assembly, but the actual saturation occurs immediately upon assembly when the ink flows to the storage body. This eliminates long pre-saturation waiting times while ensuring the stamp is ready for use right after assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The saturation process is rushed through during the assembly operation itself rather than being performed separately beforehand. The ink is transferred from the support element to the ink storage body as part of the assembly process, eliminating the need for prolonged separate saturation steps.
3Ease of operation
If the support element is open for filling, then refilling is easy, but ink storage is not liquid-tight during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted as a separate, removable element that can be applied to close the open top side of the pan-shaped support element. This allows the element to remain open during filling operations for ease of refilling, while providing liquid-tight sealing during storage by simply applying the removable seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The top side of the support element transitions dynamically between open and closed states. During refilling operations, the top side is open for easy access. During storage, the removable sealing element is applied to create a liquid-tight seal. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between ease of refilling and storage reliability.
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
This solution facilitates efficient, accurate, and rapid ink filling and refilling processes, ensuring the stamp is ready for use immediately upon assembly, with improved storage stability and reduced production costs by eliminating the need for pre-saturation and allowing for automatic production.
Implementation Method 1
with a sealing element arranged in and/or on the opening to provide a liquid-tight seal
Implementation Method 2
the ink storage body absorbs ink only after being inserted and the support element is rotated
Data Source
AI summary
A stamp includes a printing unit and an actuator unit connected thereto by a connecting element. A printing plate is arranged in or on the printing unit to be moved from a neutral position into a printing position against a resetting force. The printing unit is arranged within a housing, including a support element having a pan bottom and at least one contiguous lateral wall stabilizing an ink storage body for receiving stamp ink. The printing plate is arranged abutting against the ink storage body for accepting stamp ink. The support element includes at least one sealable liquid-tight opening in the pan bottom that can be used to connect the support element to the actuator unit of the stamp and/or which can serve as a refill opening for stamp ink.