Ink Cartridge Electrical Interface Relocation for Damage Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ink cartridges face issues with the electrical interface being subjected to excessive load and contamination with ink, particularly when the memory module is positioned at the front face, leading to potential damage and leakage.

Innovation Solution

The electrical interface is positioned between the front and rear faces of the ink cartridge, preventing direct biasing forces and reducing the risk of ink contamination by placing it between the insertion and removal directions, thus minimizing the likelihood of excessive load and contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the memory module is disposed at the front face of the ink cartridge, then the memory module can contact the contacts of the mounting portion with great speed during insertion, but the memory module may break due to excessive load or ink contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact speedVSAvoidmemory module durability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the electrical interface from the front face (insertion direction) to the side face of the ink cartridge. This spatial relocation changes the dimension of contact, allowing the electrical interface to engage with the mounting portion's contacts laterally during insertion, thereby avoiding direct exposure to insertion forces and ink leakage paths while maintaining adequate contact speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a biasing mechanism (spring) that acts as an intermediary between the electrical interface and the mounting portion's contacts. The spring absorbs excessive insertion forces and provides controlled contact pressure, preventing damage to the memory module while ensuring reliable electrical connection. The biasing force is applied in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, further isolating the electrical interface from mechanical stress during cartridge installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the electrical interface is positioned at the front face, then it can be easily accessed during insertion, but it is directly exposed to biasing forces and ink leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility during insertionVSAvoidink contamination and mechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical interface is relocated from the front face to the side face of the ink cartridge, changing its spatial dimension relative to the insertion and removal directions. This repositioning allows the electrical interface to be accessed laterally during cartridge installation and removal, while the biasing mechanism applies forces in a perpendicular direction, effectively isolating the electrical interface from both mechanical stress and ink contamination paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing mechanism serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the mounting portion and the electrical interface. It applies biasing forces in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, ensuring that the electrical interface is not subjected to excessive mechanical loads during cartridge installation or removal. This intermediary mechanism also creates a physical barrier that prevents ink from reaching the electrical interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the ink cartridge is biased in the removal direction by a spring, then the user can readily remove the ink cartridge, but the memory module may break due to direct reception of biasing force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval easeVSAvoidmemory module integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the dimensional relationship between the biasing force direction and the electrical interface orientation. The spring applies biasing forces in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, while the electrical interface is positioned on the side face of the ink cartridge. This orthogonal arrangement ensures that the biasing forces do not directly load the electrical interface or memory module, allowing easy cartridge removal while protecting the memory module from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9233548B2Printing fluid cartridge and printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.01.12 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A printing fluid cartridge includes a front face oriented toward a first direction, a printing fluid supply portion positioned at the front face, a rear face positioned opposite the front face and oriented toward a second direction opposite the first direction, an electrical interface positioned between the front face and the rear face and facing, and an engagement surface facing in the second direction.