Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Ink Cartridge Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face issues with stabilizing hydraulic head pressure and maintaining consistent weight during movement, leading to deteriorated operability and potential damage due to changes in ink cartridge weight, which affects the user's load and momentum when pivoting the casing.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first-tank mount section, a second tank, a liquid ejecting head, and a supporting section, where the first tank is mounted on the first-tank mount section, and the second tank is connected to supply liquid to the ejecting head, with the first casing holding the head and second tank, and the second casing holding the mount section and supporting section, allowing the first casing to pivot relative to the second, maintaining a consistent load and reducing weight changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the movable casing holds the head and ink cartridge together to stabilize hydraulic head pressure, then the relative position stability is improved, but the weight of the casing changes with ink consumption, causing operability deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ink storage system into two separate components: a fixed ink cartridge mounted on the stationary casing and a movable subsidiary tank mounted on the movable casing. This segmentation allows the ink cartridge weight to remain constant while the movable casing carries only the lighter subsidiary tank, stabilizing the weight of the movable casing and improving operability without compromising hydraulic head pressure stability.
2Weight of moving object
If the ink cartridge is mounted on the movable casing, then the weight changes with ink consumption, but this causes the casing to move rapidly and potentially be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ink storage system so that the heavy ink cartridge remains on the stationary casing while only the lighter subsidiary tank moves with the movable casing. This ensures the movable casing maintains a relatively constant, lighter weight, preventing rapid movement and potential damage during pivoting operations.
3Ease of operation
If the ink cartridge is mounted on the stationary casing, then the weight remains constant, but the hydraulic head pressure becomes unstable when the casing moves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ink storage function between two components: the ink cartridge on the stationary casing provides constant weight for operational stability, while the subsidiary tank on the movable casing maintains proximity to the head to ensure hydraulic head pressure stability. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsidiary tank acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the stationary ink cartridge and the movable head. It maintains the liquid supply path stability and hydraulic head pressure by remaining mounted on the movable casing, while the ink cartridge provides stable weight foundation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the first tank and second tank are arranged to maintain uniform head differential, then the hydraulic pressure is stabilized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tank system into a fixed first tank (ink cartridge) and a movable second tank (subsidiary tank), where the second tank is positioned to maintain uniform head differential with the head during movement. This segmentation achieves hydraulic pressure stability through a relatively simple arrangement of two tanks rather than a complex single-tank system.
Data Source
AI summary
A first-tank mount section is configured so that a first tank storing liquid is mounted thereon. Liquid is supplied to a second tank from the first tank mounted on the first-tank mount section. Liquid stored in the second tank is supplied to a liquid ejecting head having an ejection surface. A supporting section is disposed in confrontation with the ejection surface and supports a recording medium. A first casing holds the liquid ejecting head and the second tank. A second casing holds the first-tank mount section and the supporting section. The first casing is coupled to the second casing such that the first casing is movable relative to the second casing. The first casing takes a first position at which the ejection surface confronts the supporting section and a second position at which the ejection surface is farther spaced away from the supporting section than at the first position.