Horizontal Liquid Supply Device for Easy Cartridge Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid supplying devices with cartridges attached vertically are inconvenient for replacement, leading to poor operability during cartridge exchange.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supplying device with a cartridge attachable in a horizontal direction, featuring a first storage chamber for ink and a second storage chamber, along with liquid and gas passages that allow for horizontal extension, enabling efficient ink transfer and air communication for continuous printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cartridge is connected to the sub tank in the vertical direction, then the ink supply function is achieved, but the cartridge replacement operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the attachment direction from vertical to horizontal by extending the liquid passage and gas passage in the horizontal direction. The cartridge is now attached to the sub tank in the front-rear direction rather than vertically above it, allowing users to replace cartridges from the front of the printer without needing to access the vertical space above the sub tank.
2Reliability
If the liquid passage and gas passage are extended in the vertical direction, then the ink transfer function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the passage configuration by extending the liquid passage and gas passage horizontally rather than vertically. The liquid passage has a first end connected to the sub tank and a second end extending in the horizontal direction, while the gas passage similarly extends horizontally. This horizontal arrangement reduces the number of vertical connections needed and simplifies the overall device structure.
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
Enhances operability by allowing easy replacement of cartridges in the front-rear direction, ensuring stable ink supply and continuous printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid flow passage and the gas flow passage which connects the cartridge and the sub tank... the ink in the cartridge naturally drops via the liquid flow passage and is introduced into the sub tank
Implementation Method 2
the air in the sub tank having the same volume as the amount of introduced ink is introduced into the cartridge via the gas flow passage. Such a gas-liquid substitution is performed until the opening of the gas flow passage is blocked
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid supplying device includes a tank and a cartridge configured to be attached to the tank. The cartridge includes a first storage chamber. The tank includes a second storage chamber, a liquid passage, a gas passage, and an air communication portion. The liquid passage has a first end formed with a first opening, and a second end formed with a second opening. The gas passage has a third end formed with a third opening, and a fourth end formed with a fourth opening. In an attachment state where the first storage chamber is in communication with both the second opening and the fourth opening, the first storage chamber has a portion positioned above the liquid passage and the gas passage, and the second storage chamber is positioned below the liquid passage and the gas passage.