Ink Cartridge Chip Layout to Prevent Ink-Induced Memory Shorts

Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet printers face issues with short circuits and memory damage due to ink drops falling on the chip's connection terminals, and existing solutions for connectors are cumbersome and difficult to install.

Innovation Solution

A consumable container design featuring two separated circuit boards with distinct function contact parts, where the second circuit board is thin and retractable, allowing easy insertion between the printhead carriage pin frame and the chip main control circuit board, preventing direct short circuits and facilitating convenient installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connection terminals are arranged in two rows with multiple terminals on a single circuit board, then electrical connection functionality is achieved, but risk of short circuit and memory damage from ink drops increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidshort circuit risk from ink drops

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit board is divided into two separate boards: a first circuit board with first function contact parts (detection terminals and high-voltage terminals) and a second circuit board with second function contact parts (memory connection terminals). This segmentation physically separates high-voltage signal paths from memory connection points, preventing ink-induced short circuits from damaging the memory while maintaining all necessary electrical connection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a connector is added between the chip and the printhead carriage pin frame, then electrical connection is established, but installation complexity and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection establishmentVSAvoidinstallation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector structure is merged with the chip itself. The first and second circuit boards are directly mounted on the chip substrate, integrating the connection terminal functions into the chip assembly. This eliminates the need for separate external connectors, allowing users to simply install the chip into the slot without complex connector alignment and attachment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If multiple function contact parts are disposed on a single circuit board, then device complexity is reduced, but risk of harmful effects from ink contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit board structure simplicityVSAvoidink drop impact on memory

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit board is divided into two separate boards: a first circuit board with first function contact parts (detection terminals and high-voltage terminals) and a second circuit board with second function contact parts (memory connection terminals). This segmentation physically separates high-voltage signal paths from memory connection points, preventing ink-induced short circuits from damaging the memory while maintaining all necessary electrical connection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240083176A1Consumable container, consumable chip, and inkjet printer

Publication Date: 2024.03.14 ZHUHAI TIANWEI TECH DEV CO LTD

AI summary

A consumable container, a consumable chip, and an electronic imaging device are provided, where the consumable container includes a box body, a first circuit board is disposed on a sidewall of the box body, at least one first function contact part is disposed on the first circuit board, and the first function contact part is configured to be connected to a pin on a first side of a printhead carriage pin frame. A second circuit board is further disposed on the box body, and the second circuit board and the first circuit board are separated from each other. At least one second function contact part is disposed on the second circuit board, and the second function contact part is configured to be connected to a pin on a second side of the printhead carriage pin frame and/or a contact point on a chip main control circuit board.