Ink Cartridge Adaptor Electrical Interface Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ink cartridge systems face challenges in updating information and reducing wear on contacts when replacing ink cartridges, as the electronic components, such as memory modules, are not effectively renewed or updated, leading to potential contact deterioration.
Innovation Solution
An ink containing device comprising an ink cartridge and an adaptor, where the ink cartridge has an electrical interface and the adaptor includes a first and second contact configuration that remains connected during replacement, allowing for data renewal and minimizing contact wear by keeping the adaptor in the mounting portion while replacing the ink cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the ink cartridge is replaced along with the electronic component (memory module), then the information can be renewed or updated, but the contact on the mounting portion wears out faster due to repeated sliding contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate replaceable units: the ink cartridge containing the electronic component and the adaptor remaining in the mounting portion. This segmentation allows the electronic component to be renewed with each ink cartridge replacement while the adaptor's contact remains stationary, eliminating repeated sliding contact wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor acts as an intermediary between the ink cartridge and the mounting portion. It provides a stable electrical interface that connects to the mounting portion's contact once, then interfaces with the ink cartridge's electrical interface. This intermediary structure isolates the wear-prone sliding contact from the need for repeated connections during ink cartridge replacements.
2Reliability
If the electronic component is provided on the adaptor instead of the ink cartridge, then the contact wear is reduced, but the data stored in the electronic component cannot be renewed or updated when the ink cartridge is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the electronic component from the adaptor and places it on the ink cartridge. This allows the ink cartridge (with its electronic component) to be replaced to renew data, while the adaptor remains stationary to minimize contact wear. The electrical interface on the ink cartridge connects to the adaptor's interface, enabling data communication without repeated sliding contacts.
3Reliability
If the contact on the mounting portion is made replaceable by the user, then the contact wear can be addressed, but the ease of operation is reduced due to user complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is designed as a durable, non-replaceable component that remains in the mounting portion, while the ink cartridge with its electronic component is designed as a disposable unit. This eliminates the need for users to replace or maintain contacts, as the entire ink cartridge assembly is replaced together, simplifying user operation while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink containing device comprises an ink cartridge and an adaptor. The ink cartridge comprises a first main body comprising a chamber configured to store ink, an ink outlet portion disposed on a first surface of the first main body configured to direct the ink from the chamber to an exterior of the first main body wherein the first surface faces a first direction, and an electrical interface disposed on the first main body. The adaptor is configured to be in an attached state with the ink cartridge. The adaptor comprises a second main body comprising a first contact disposed on a particular surface facing a particular direction, and a second contact disposed on a further surface and electrically connected to the first contact, wherein the second contact is electrically connected to the electrical interface in the attached state.