Ink Cartridge Adapter Resilient Ejection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink cartridge removal systems often require precise alignment of claws and engage portions, which can fail to engage correctly if not accurately positioned, and may be difficult for users with larger hands to remove due to the small size of the cartridge protrusion.
Innovation Solution
An adapter is designed to be removably mounted to the cartridge mounting portion, featuring a resilient member that contracts between the adapter and the end wall when mounted, allowing the ink cartridge to be securely removed by moving the adapter in the opposite direction of insertion, with a main body accommodating the cartridge and providing a larger surface for easier handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If claws and engage portions are used for ink cartridge removal, then the ink cartridge can be pulled out of the mounting portion, but accurate positioning is required which increases device complexity and may fail if alignment is incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component between the mounting portion and the ink cartridge. The adapter includes a resilient member that mediates the engagement and disengagement process, eliminating the need for precise claw-to-engage-portion alignment. The adapter's resilient member automatically engages with the mounting portion and provides a stable interface for cartridge removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member is designed to automatically engage with the mounting portion when the adapter is inserted, and automatically disengage when force is applied in the removal direction. This self-servicing mechanism eliminates the need for complex positioning systems and manual alignment procedures.
2Ease of operation
If the ink cartridge is pulled out partially by claws, then the cartridge can be removed, but the protruding portion is small making it difficult for users with large hands to grasp
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three distinct components: the mounting portion, the adapter, and the ink cartridge. The adapter acts as an intermediate handling component that provides a large grasping surface area for user interaction, while the ink cartridge itself remains compact. This segmentation allows the gripping function to be separated from the cartridge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary handling component between the user's hand and the ink cartridge. It provides a large surface area for easy grasping by users with large hands, while transferring the removal force to the cartridge through its resilient member mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If claws engage the ink cartridge directly, then removal is possible, but if claws are accidentally broken, the engagement mechanism fails completely
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is made from a flexible material that can deform elastically during engagement and disengagement. This flexibility provides inherent shock absorption and damage tolerance, preventing catastrophic failure from accidental impacts or misalignment that would break rigid claw structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member inherently cushions against accidental impacts and misalignment forces before they can cause damage. Its elastic properties allow it to absorb shock and return to its original shape, preventing the kind of catastrophic failure that occurs with brittle or rigid engagement mechanisms.
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 adapter facilitates easy and secure removal of the ink cartridge, accommodating the cartridge within its structure and providing a larger surface for user handling, overcoming the challenges of precise alignment and size-related difficulties in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member configured to contract between the end wall and the main body when the adapter is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion
Implementation Method 2
When the adapter and the ink cartridge are removed from the cartridge mounting portion, the resilient member expands, such that the adapter and the ink cartridge are partially pushed out of the cartridge mounting portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
An adapter is used for an ink cartridge which is configured to be removably mounted to a cartridge mounting portion of a recording apparatus. The cartridge mounting portion comprises an end wall and an opening formed opposite the end wall, and each of the adapter and the ink cartridge is configured to be inserted into the cartridge mounting portion via the opening toward the end wall in an insertion direction. The adapter includes a particular member configured to move the adapter mounted to the cartridge mounting portion in a direction opposite to the insertion direction toward the opening. The adapter and the ink cartridge are separate members.