Ink Cartridge Inside Plug Lock Mechanism for High-Speed Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ink cartridge mount/demount mechanism hinders ink supply due to the insertion shaft's smaller diameter, reducing ink flow and requiring larger ink cartridges to compensate, which increases size and limits printing speed.
Innovation Solution
An ink cartridge with an inside plug lock mechanism that allows the insertion shaft to press and lock the inside plug, maintaining the ink flow passage open during fitting and sealing it before removal, preventing ink leakage and allowing larger ink volumes to flow without increasing cartridge size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the insertion shaft diameter is made smaller than the ink supply port diameter, then the insertion shaft can be fitted into the ink supply port, but the ink flow amount is reduced due to the shaft obstructing the passage
Solution Approach 1:
The inside plug is made movable relative to the ink supply port, transitioning between a blocked position (when insertion shaft is retracted) and an unblocked position (when insertion shaft is inserted). This dynamic mechanism allows the system to optimize both fitting ease and ink flow amount at different operational stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The inside plug acts as an intermediary element between the insertion shaft and the ink supply port. It is moved by the insertion shaft to control ink flow, enabling the shaft to perform both mechanical fitting and fluid control functions without directly obstructing the passage.
2Quantity of substance
If the ink supply port diameter is increased to compensate for the obstruction, then the ink flow amount increases, but the ink cartridge size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the inside plug movable, the system dynamically adjusts the effective flow area rather than requiring a permanently larger port. This allows the ink supply port to maintain a smaller diameter while still achieving high ink flow rates when the plug is in the unblocked position.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink supply system is segmented into controllable sections: the ink supply port, the movable inside plug, and the insertion shaft. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component, enabling the port to remain small while the plug creates a clear passage when needed.
3Productivity
If the inside plug is held in the unblocked position during insertion shaft retraction, then ink flow continues, but ink leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sealing action by default (inside plug blocks the port when insertion shaft is retracted). Ink flow is activated only when the insertion shaft is inserted to move the plug to the unblocked position, ensuring no leakage occurs during normal operation or storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion shaft position provides feedback control for the inside plug position. When the shaft is inserted, it moves the plug to allow flow; when retracted, the plug returns to block the port, preventing leakage. This automatic feedback mechanism ensures proper sealing without additional control systems.
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 configuration enhances ink supply efficiency, reducing ink supply time and enabling high-speed printing without enlarging the cartridge or printing machine, while minimizing ink leakage during detachment.
Implementation Method 1
an inside plug movable relative to the ink supply port in front-rear directions... an O-ring is fitted between the ink supply port and a distal end circular protruding portion formed in the inside plug. The inside plug to which the O-ring is fitted is moved forward to the ink supply port and thereby prevents leakage of the ink from the ink cartridge not in use.
Implementation Method 2
When the ink cartridge is connected to the printing machine, the insertion shaft formed in the center portion of the joint body is inserted into the ink supply port of the socket body and pushes and moves the inside plug toward an opposite side of the socket body from the ink supply port side.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An ink cartridge includes: an ink storage container configured to store ink; a socket portion provided at one end of the ink storage container and configured to be fitted to and detached from a joint portion of a printing machine; an ink supply port provided in the socket portion; an inside plug configured to seal an ink passage to the ink supply port by using a biasing force coming from a direction of the ink storage container; and an inside plug lock portion configured to lock the inside plug at a position where the inside plug is pressed by an insertion shaft, and maintain a locked state of the inside plug independently of a retreating of the insertion shaft to a retreat position after a locking of the inside plug.