Ink Container Mountain Seal Deformation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ink container configurations, which aim to reduce plastic usage by positioning the ink outlet port near the end of the flexible ink storage portion, face a challenge where the ink supply member may deform upon impact, causing it to dig into the ink storage portion and potentially leading to ink leakage.
Innovation Solution
The ink container incorporates a unique seal portion design at the ink supply side, featuring a first rectangular seal and a second mountain-like seal protruding towards the interior. The second seal's apex is positioned such that the distance from the ink supply portion is less than half the maximum width of the mountain-like shape, enhancing the seal's effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the ink outlet port is positioned near the end of the flexible ink storage portion to reduce plastic usage, then the quantity of material is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the ink supply member may deform upon impact and cause ink leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing a seal portion with a mountain-like shape that protrudes into the ink storage portion. This seal structure is positioned to prevent deformation of the ink supply member before impact occurs, thereby preventing ink leakage in advance while maintaining the reduced plastic design
2Reliability
If the seal portion is designed with a mountain-like shape protruding toward the interior, then the reliability is improved by suppressing deformation, but the device complexity increases due to the unique seal structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the deformation prevention function in a specific localized structure - the mountain-like seal portion - rather than making the entire container rigid. This localized structural feature provides the necessary reliability while keeping the rest of the container simple and flexible
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an ink container whose deformation is suppressed and a recording apparatus using the ink container. The ink container includes an ink storage portion to store ink and an ink supply portion at a side of the ink storage portion to supply the ink to outside. A seal portion between two surfaces is provided at the side. The seal portion includes a rectangular first seal portion parallel to the side and a second seal portion having a mountain shape toward the interior of the ink storage portion and disposed between the first seal portion and the ink supply portion to be formed continuously with the first seal portion in a direction parallel to the side. When the mountain shape has a maximum width W1, a distance W2 from the ink supply portion to its apex in the direction is less than W1/2.