Ink Container Overlap with Power Supply for Compact Printer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ink jet printers are oversized due to the placement of the power supply section and ink containers, which occupy significant space and hinder compact design.
Innovation Solution
The ink container and power supply section are positioned to overlap each other in the apparatus depth and height directions, allowing for a non-overlapping occupation region, thereby reducing the overall dimensions, and the ink container is designed with an introduction port for easy replenishment, while the buffer and waste liquid containers are strategically placed to minimize width occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply section and ink container are disposed at separate positions, then each component can be independently positioned for optimal function, but the apparatus dimension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional reorganization by allowing the ink container and power supply section to overlap in the depth direction while maintaining separate functional positions. This transforms the spatial arrangement from a planar side-by-side layout to a three-dimensional overlapping configuration, reducing the apparatus width while preserving independent component positioning and functionality
2Device complexity
If the ink container is disposed outside the carriage, then the carriage structure is simplified, but the apparatus dimension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the ink container outside the carriage in the depth direction rather than width direction, creating an overlapping arrangement with the power supply section. This dimensional shift simplifies the carriage structure by removing the ink container from it, while simultaneously reducing the overall apparatus width through the overlapping configuration
3Ease of operation
If the introduction port is located on the front side, then the ease of operation is improved, but the apparatus dimension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides the ink container with a localized introduction port on its front surface, enabling direct and convenient ink replenishment from the front side. This local access feature improves ease of operation by allowing users to refill ink without disassembling components or accessing difficult locations, while the port's integrated design into the container structure avoids adding external protrusions that would increase apparatus dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting section having a nozzle that is configured to eject liquid; a liquid container that is configured to accommodate the liquid ejected from the nozzle, and is disposed at a separate position from the liquid ejecting section; and a power supply section that supplies electric power at least required for liquid ejection from the liquid ejecting section, wherein at least part of the liquid container overlaps at least part of the power supply section in an apparatus depth direction. At least part of the liquid container overlaps at least part of the power supply section in an apparatus depth direction. The liquid container includes an introduction port that allows for liquid introduction.