Flexible Ink Container Gusset Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing apparatuses using deformable bag-like flexible containers for ink storage face issues with incomplete ink consumption due to tank collapse as ink levels decrease, leading to reduced productivity and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supply apparatus with a holder for a tray containing a flexible container with a foldable gusset portion, equipped with a folding unit that folds the gusset portion to ensure complete liquid consumption, utilizing a stirring driving unit and tray design features like convex and concave shapes to guide liquid to the supply port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a flexible container is used as a tank for retaining ink, then the tank can be deformed as ink is consumed, but ink remains at end portions (corner portions) of the tank and cannot be properly consumed completely
Solution Approach 1:
The gusset portion is designed to be foldable, allowing the tank structure to dynamically change shape as ink is consumed. The folding unit actively folds the gusset portion to maintain tank deformability throughout the ink consumption process, preventing the tank from collapsing into a fixed shape that traps residual ink.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank is divided into a main body portion and a separate foldable gusset portion. This segmentation allows the gusset to be independently folded by the folding unit, enabling controlled deformation that prevents ink accumulation at corner portions while maintaining the integrity of the main tank structure.
2Volume of moving object
If the tank collapses as ink remaining amount decreases, then space is saved, but ink remains at end portions and may not be properly consumed completely
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing complete collapse, the tank maintains dynamic deformability through the foldable gusset portion. The folding unit actively manages the gusset folding process, enabling the tank to progressively reduce volume while preventing the formation of trapped pockets that would retain residual ink.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding unit is configured to automatically fold the gusset portion based on the tank's deformation state, creating a self-regulating system that maintains optimal geometry for complete ink consumption without requiring external intervention to prevent ink trapping.
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
The solution ensures complete consumption of ink, improving printing productivity and reducing costs by preventing liquid accumulation at the gusset portions and facilitating efficient liquid flow to the supply port.
Implementation Method 1
the holder is provided with a folding unit configured to fold the gusset portion in a state in which the tray is held by the holder
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid supply apparatus configured to supply a liquid to a printing unit, comprising a tray holder configured to hold a tray on which a flexible retaining container configured to retain a liquid is placed, the tray holder allowing insertion of the tray in a first direction, wherein the retaining container has a foldable gusset portion, and the tray holder is provided with a folding unit configured to fold the gusset portion in a state in which the tray is held by the tray holder.