Flexible Ink Container Pressing Structure for Low-Load Stirring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid supply apparatuses using bag-shaped containers face issues with space efficiency and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple motors and transmission systems to drive press plates, which are necessary for stirring multistage mechanisms, especially when using multicolor inks or multiple tanks.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supply apparatus with a holding member, press member, movable member, and dual springs is used to press and stir the container, where the springs are positioned to minimize the load on the stirring drive unit, allowing for efficient space utilization and reduced motor size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor is installed in each stage to drive a press plate for stirring, then the stirring function is achieved, but the number of motors and transmission systems increases, reducing space efficiency and increasing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple press plates into a single integrated press plate structure that can simultaneously press multiple bag-shaped containers. Instead of having separate motors for each stage, a single motor drives the integrated press plate through a transmission mechanism, thereby reducing the number of motors and transmission systems while maintaining the stirring function for multiple containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated press plate serves multiple functions by simultaneously pressing and stirring multiple bag-shaped containers in different stages. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate stirring mechanisms for each container, reducing overall device complexity while achieving reliable stirring across all stages.
2Reliability
If a large driving force is used to drive multiple press plates against spring biasing forces, then the stirring of multistage mechanisms is achieved, but the motor becomes bulky, reducing space efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spring biasing forces by positioning springs to act on different portions of the integrated press plate. This segmentation allows the transmission mechanism to distribute and transmit forces more efficiently, reducing the peak driving force required and enabling a smaller motor to drive multiple press plates against spring biasing forces while maintaining reliable stirring capability.
3Power
If multiple springs are positioned to minimize load on the stirring drive unit, then the driving force requirement is reduced, but the spring positioning and configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning springs at specific locations on the integrated press plate where they can most effectively minimize the load on the stirring drive unit. The springs are strategically placed to leverage the mechanical advantage of the transmission mechanism, reducing the driving force requirement while the spring configuration remains integrated and manageable within the overall press plate structure.
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 improves space efficiency and reduces the need for a large driving force, thereby minimizing the apparatus' size and manufacturing costs while effectively stirring the liquid in multiple stages.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring having one end locked on the press member and the other end locked on the holding member, and a second spring having one end locked on the press member and the other end locked on the movable member
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid supply apparatus includes a holding member configured to detachably hold a tray, on which a flexible container provided with a supply port for supplying a liquid to a printhead, is placed, a press member configured to press the container attached to the liquid supply apparatus, a movable member configured to move the press member to a first position where the press member presses the container and a second position where a press amount of the press member for the container is less than at the first position, a first spring having one end locked on the press member and the other end locked on the holding member, and a second spring having one end locked on the press member and the other end locked on the movable member.