Ink Cartridge Adapter Fixation for Stable Ink Supply Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printer ink cartridges face issues with adapters becoming dislodged or shifting during installation and detachment, leading to potential ink supply disruptions and reduced printing quality.
Innovation Solution
An ink cartridge design that sandwiches the adapter between a case main body and a lid, using projections and cutouts to stabilize the adapter and ensure precise positioning of the ink supply connector and IC substrate, enhancing fixation against external impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the adapter is simply inserted in the adapter insertion portion without being fixed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the adapter may easily come off due to collision or fall
Solution Approach 1:
The ink cartridge is divided into functional components: case main body, lid, and adapter. The adapter is further segmented with specific structures (protrusion, recess) that interact with corresponding features on the case main body and lid, allowing independent assembly and disassembly while maintaining stability when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is nested within the ink cartridge structure, specifically housed between the case main body and the lid. The ink bag is attached to the adapter, creating a nested arrangement where the adapter serves as an intermediary member between the ink bag and the cartridge housing.
2Ease of operation
If a simple latch structure is used to facilitate attachment and detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the spout may become wobbly or shifting when the latch structure is damaged or impacted
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the connection structure have different functions and properties. The latch structure provides easy attachment/detachment, while the protrusion-recess structure provides stable positioning and anti-shifting. The ink bag spout connection area is specifically designed with the recess to receive the protrusion, creating localized stability at the critical connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion on the adapter and corresponding recess on the case main body are designed in advance to prevent the spout from shifting or becoming wobbly. This preliminary structural arrangement counteracts potential harmful effects of impact or latch damage before they can cause misalignment.
3Ease of operation
If the adapter is not fixed to the tray, then the ease of operation is improved for quick replacement, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates as the spout may shift relative to the ink suction system
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structures are designed with asymmetric features - the protrusion has a specific shape and orientation that fits into a corresponding asymmetric recess. This asymmetric design ensures precise positioning and correct orientation of the adapter relative to the case main body, preventing misalignment while allowing easy attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink cartridge includes a case main body that includes opposing lateral wall portions and is shaped like a box, of which an upper portion is an open portion, a lid that covers the open portion of the case main body in an attachable/detachable manner, and an adapter that is housed, in an attachable/detachable manner, in an internal space defined by the case main body and the lid, and having attached thereto an ink bag filled with ink. The adapter is housed between the case main body and the lid in a state to be sandwiched by the case main body and the lid.