Ink Cartridge Linear Insertion Mechanism for Secure Electrical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink cartridges require two separate actions for mounting, which can lead to confusion and potential electrical coupling issues, and pose a risk of damage when removing and replacing them due to the need for rotation.
Innovation Solution
An ink cartridge design that includes a guide portion for linear insertion, an electronic component mounting section that moves in a second direction to establish electrical coupling, and a holding mechanism to maintain the component at an initial position, allowing for single-direction insertion and secure electrical connection without rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the ink cartridge is pushed strongly to complete mounting, then the mounting speed is improved, but electrical contact may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting process is segmented into two independent phases: insertion phase (where strong pushing force is applied) and electrical coupling phase (where gentle contact is required). The guide portion guides the electronic component mounting section during insertion, then the holding portion maintains the electronic component in a fixed position during the gentle electrical coupling phase, preventing damage while maintaining productivity
2Reliability
If the ink cartridge requires rotation for electrical coupling, then electrical contact reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic component mounting section is designed to be movable relative to the cartridge body. During insertion, the guide portion dynamically guides the electronic component mounting section to the correct position. The holding portion then maintains this position dynamically during electrical coupling, eliminating the need for user rotation while ensuring reliable contact
3Device complexity
If the ink cartridge uses a fixed electronic component position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic component mounting section is designed with movable capability relative to the cartridge body, providing adaptability for electrical coupling. The holding portion maintains the electronic component in a fixed position only during the electrical coupling phase, while allowing movement during insertion guided by the guide portion, thus achieving both simplicity and adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
In a state in which a cartridge body is not inserted in a cartridge receiving section provided on a printer side, an electronic component mounting section is held at an initial position to the cartridge body. The cartridge body is linearly inserted into the cartridge receiving section of the printer along a first direction, which is an insertion direction of the cartridge body, to a second position before a first position in which the cartridge body is in a mounted state in the cartridge receiving section. By the cartridge body being linearly inserted from the second position to the first position along the first direction, the electronic component mounting section is moved from the initial position in a second direction different from the first direction to couple the electronic component to electrical coupling portions provided on the printer side.