Ink Cartridge IC Chip Positioning via Protrusion Recess Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in accurately positioning and securely fixing IC chips on ink cartridges to prevent misalignment and detachment during shipment or impact, while also simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a cartridge design with a main body, a circuit board, and protrusions that guide and secure the IC chip, including a support surface with first and second protrusions that contact the circuit board and an electrode, and a method of affixing the circuit board using heated bosses to melt and solidify, ensuring precise positioning and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image processing is used to position the IC chip, then positioning accuracy is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming protrusions on the cartridge body and corresponding recesses on the circuit board before assembly. These pre-formed structural features automatically guide and position the IC chip during mounting, eliminating the need for complex image processing alignment procedures while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical/image processing alignment system with a mechanical positioning system consisting of protrusions and recesses. This mechanical substitution simplifies the assembly process by providing automatic geometric constraint-based positioning, replacing complex optical alignment procedures with simple mechanical insertion.
2Reliability
If the IC chip is securely fixed to prevent detachment during shipment, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning and fixation functions into a single integrated structural design. The protrusions on the cartridge body and recesses on the circuit board serve dual purposes: they guide positioning during assembly and provide mechanical retention to prevent detachment during shipment, eliminating the need for separate fixation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion-recess structural features perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide alignment guidance, positional constraint, and mechanical retention. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the fixation system while ensuring reliable IC chip attachment that prevents detachment during handling and shipment.
3Reliability
If multiple contacts are provided to ensure electrode contact despite position deviation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning features where the protrusions and recesses are specifically shaped and positioned to provide unilateral constraint. This asymmetric design ensures that the IC chip can only be inserted in the correct orientation and position, guaranteeing reliable electrode contact while using minimal structural elements rather than multiple redundant contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion-recess mechanism provides self-aligning and self-positioning functionality during assembly. The geometric constraints automatically guide the IC chip into the correct position, ensuring electrode contact reliability without requiring complex multi-contact systems or active adjustment 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
This design ensures the IC chip is fixed with high positional accuracy and reliability, reducing the complexity of assembly and manufacturing costs, while preventing misalignment and detachment issues.
Implementation Method 1
a second protrusion protruding from the support surface and disposed in the at least one opening, wherein the second protrusion comprises an end portion that covers a portion of the circuit board
Implementation Method 2
a first protrusion protruding from the support surface and configured to contact a first surface of the circuit board, wherein the first surface of the circuit board extends in a direction perpendicular to the support surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A cartridge (30) includes a main body (31) with a chamber (36) formed therein that receives an imaging material, a circuit board (81) having at least one opening (85, 86) formed through the circuit board (81); and an electrode (82, 83, 84) disposed on the circuit board (81). The main body (31) includes a support surface (39) that supports the circuit board (81), a first protrusion (61, 62) protruding from the support surface (39) and that contacting a first surface (87) of the circuit board (81). The first surface (87) of the circuit board (81) extends in a direction perpendicular to the support surface (39). The main body (31) also includes a second protrusion (63, 64) protruding from the support surface (39) and disposed in the at least one opening (85, 86). The second protrusion (63, 64) includes an end portion that covers a portion of the circuit board. In addition, a method for manufacturing the cartridge is disclosed.