Ink Container Flexible Storage Asymmetric Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink containers for recording apparatuses, such as inkjet printers, use a significant amount of plastic and lack efficient designs for ink supply and handling, which poses environmental concerns and usability issues.
Innovation Solution
The ink container features a flexible ink storage portion with an integrated ink supply member that includes protruding portions for easy handling and positioning, along with a ridge portion to prevent ink flow path blockage, all while minimizing plastic usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handle is provided on the liquid container to make it removable, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply member is segmented into multiple protruding portions (first and second protruding portions) with different configurations at different ends, allowing differentiated functions: one end provides ease of removal while the other end provides positioning and prevention of incorrect installation
Solution Approach 2:
The ink supply member employs asymmetric design where the first and second protruding portions have different shapes, sizes, and configurations. This asymmetry enables the container to be easily removed from the correct orientation while preventing installation in incorrect orientations, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring complex locking mechanisms
2Loss of substance
If plastic usage is reduced to address environmental concerns, then loss of substance is improved, but strength may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The ink storage portion is constructed as a flexible bag made of thin film material, eliminating the need for rigid plastic containers. This flexible structure reduces plastic consumption and environmental impact while maintaining sufficient strength through proper film selection and structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The ink supply member is integrated directly into the flexible ink storage portion, merging two previously separate components (container and supply mechanism) into a single unified structure. This integration reduces the total amount of plastic material needed while maintaining functional strength through optimized design of the combined structure
3Ease of operation
If protruding portions are designed for easy handling, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portions on the ink supply member serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide ease of handling for users, enable proper positioning of the container in the recording apparatus, and prevent incorrect installation through asymmetric configuration. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation without requiring additional separate components
Data Source
AI summary
The ink container includes a flexible ink storage portion capable of storing ink and an ink supply member that is provided at one end of the ink storage portion and that can supply the ink to outside. The ink supply member includes first protruding portions protruding in positive and negative T directions, respectively, and each provided at an end portion of the ink supply member in a negative W direction and second protruding portions protruding in the positive and negative T directions, respectively, and each provided at an end portion of the ink supply member in a positive W direction. Protrusion amounts of the second protruding portions are larger than protrusion amounts of the first protruding portions in the T directions. In a positive D direction, each of the first protruding portions has a width larger than that of each of the second protruding portions.