Ink Cartridge Absorbing Member Segmentation for Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink cartridges fail to effectively absorb ink leaks, particularly from the liquid introduction portion, and are insufficient in holding capacity, leading to ink loss during removal and usage in printing systems.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design featuring a first liquid absorbing member exposed from the opening portion and a second liquid absorbing member in contact with the first, allowing for efficient ink capture and increased holding capacity through capillary forces, with the second member capable of holding more ink than the first.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single absorbent is used in the ink cartridge, then the structure is simple, but the ink holding capacity is insufficient and it cannot catch scattered ink during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent is divided into two separate members: a first liquid absorbing member and a second liquid absorbing member. The first member is positioned to catch scattered ink during cartridge removal, while the second member has larger capacity to hold ink during normal operation. This segmentation allows each member to specialize in different functions, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and sufficient ink holding capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial arrangement where the first liquid absorbing member is exposed at the opening portion (vertical dimension) to intercept scattered ink during removal, while the second liquid absorbing member is positioned inside the arrangement portion (horizontal dimension) for bulk ink storage. This multi-dimensional arrangement increases overall ink handling capability without significantly increasing the cartridge footprint.
2Reliability
If the absorbent is positioned to catch scattered ink during removal, then ink capture during removal is improved, but the ink holding capacity during normal operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent system is segmented into two functional parts: the first liquid absorbing member positioned at the opening for catching scattered ink during removal (reliability function), and the second liquid absorbing member positioned inside the arrangement portion for holding sufficient ink during normal operation (capacity function). This segmentation allows both functions to be optimized simultaneously without compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
The first liquid absorbing member acts as an intermediary that intercepts scattered ink during cartridge removal and transfers it to the second liquid absorbing member. This intermediary function ensures that ink captured during removal does not result in loss, while the second member provides the bulk capacity needed during normal operation.
3Quantity of substance
If the absorbent is made larger to hold sufficient ink, then the ink holding capacity is improved, but the cartridge size increases and may not fit in the printer
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent capacity is segmented between two members with different functional roles. The first member is compact and positioned at the opening for catching scattered ink during removal. The second member is larger and positioned inside the arrangement portion for bulk ink storage. This segmentation allows the cartridge to maintain sufficient total ink holding capacity without requiring a single large absorbent that would increase the overall cartridge volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The second liquid absorbing member is nested inside the arrangement portion of the cartridge, utilizing the internal space efficiently. The first liquid absorbing member is positioned at the opening, extending slightly outward to catch scattered ink. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space within the cartridge constraints, allowing sufficient ink capacity without increasing the external cartridge dimensions.
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 design ensures ink is captured during removal and maintains sufficient ink supply by transferring liquid from the first to the second absorbing member, preventing leaks and ensuring continuous ink availability.
Implementation Method 1
a first liquid absorbing member arranged inside the arrangement portion, of which a part of the first liquid absorbing member is exposed from the opening portion; and a second liquid absorbing member arranged inside the arrangement portion and coming into contact with the first liquid absorbing member
Data Source
AI summary
The cartridge includes: a liquid containing portion, a liquid supply portion, an arrangement portion having the liquid supply portion arranged inside thereof and having a bottom wall facing a distal end of the liquid supply portion, in which the bottom wall has an opening portion through which the liquid introduction portion is inserted at a position facing the distal end, a first liquid absorbing member arranged inside the arrangement portion, of which a part of the first liquid absorbing member is exposed from the opening portion, and a second liquid absorbing member arranged inside the arrangement portion and coming into contact with the first liquid absorbing member.