Ink Cartridge Movable Detection Portion Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printer systems face issues with accurate positioning of detection and ink supply portions within the ink cartridge and cartridge mounting portion, leading to potential breakage due to dimension errors, which can result in incorrect ink detection and supply.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates movable members and signal blocking portions within the ink cartridge, allowing for precise alignment with optical sensors and ink supply mechanisms, ensuring correct positioning during mounting and preventing collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the detection portion and ink supply portion are positioned based on fixed dimensions, then the structure is simple, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to dimension errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the detection portion and ink supply portion movable rather than fixed. The detection portion can move along the guide surface to accommodate dimension variations, and the ink supply portion is positioned movably relative to the case. This dynamic positioning capability allows the components to self-adjust to correct positions despite manufacturing tolerances, thereby improving positioning accuracy without requiring overly complex pre-positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the guide surface mechanism that automatically guides the ink cartridge into correct positioning during mounting. The guide surface extends in the insertion direction and works with the movable detection portion to automatically align the detection portion with the detector and the ink supply portion with the connecting portion, eliminating the need for complex external positioning devices or manual adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If the detection portion and ink supply portion are made movable to accommodate dimension errors, then positioning accuracy improves, but the risk of collision and breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a guide surface that gradually guides the ink cartridge during insertion. The guide surface extends in the insertion direction and works with the movable detection portion to prevent sudden collisions. The movable detection portion can adjust its position progressively along the guide surface, cushioning against dimensional variations and preventing impact damage to the detection portion, detector, ink supply portion, or connecting portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surface acts as an intermediary between the ink cartridge and the mounting portion. It mediates the interaction by providing a controlled path for insertion and positioning, allowing the movable detection portion to smoothly transition to its correct position without direct collision with the detector or other components, thereby protecting all elements from breakage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inner dimensions of the cartridge mounting portion or outer dimensions of the ink cartridge vary, then manufacturing flexibility improves, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by making the detection portion movable along the guide surface and the ink supply portion movable relative to the case. This allows the system to adapt to various inner dimensions of the cartridge mounting portion and outer dimensions of the ink cartridge while maintaining positioning accuracy. The movable components can self-adjust to the actual dimensions encountered, enabling the system to handle dimensional variations without sacrificing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the position of the detection portion and ink supply portion to vary dynamically rather than being fixed at manufacturing. The detection portion can change its position along the guide surface during mounting, and the ink supply portion can adjust its position relative to the case, enabling the system to accommodate dimensional parameter variations while maintaining correct functional positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink cartridge has a case which has an ink chamber, a first wall facing an exterior of the case, and a translucent portion at the first wall and having an inner space formed therein continuously with the ink chamber. The ink cartridge has a first movable member positioned in the case, and a second movable member coupled to the case. The first movable member moves relative to an amount of ink stored in the ink chamber, and has a signal blocking portion positioned in the inner space. The second movable member has a second wall that faces the first wall and that has an opening therethrough. The second movable member moves between a first position and a second position. The second wall is closer to the first wall when the second movable member is in the second position than when the second movable member is in the first position.