Ink Container Protection Rib for Bonded Joint Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink containers for inkjet image forming apparatuses face challenges in securely attaching and preventing separation of the ink container's bonded portions, which can lead to ink leakage and contamination, while also ensuring smooth attachment and protecting the IC tag from damage during replacement.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a protection rib on the outer circumferential face of the cover that covers the bonded portion of the ink container's case and cover, along with reinforcement ribs and hooks to prevent separation and ensure secure attachment, while also positioning the IC tag to prevent accidental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the ink container uses a simple bonded structure for attaching the cover to the case, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the bonded portion may separate during attachment or replacement, leading to ink leakage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The protection rib protrudes from the cover to cover the bonded portion before any separation can occur, acting as a preventive measure. This rib structure is designed in advance to intercept and distribute forces that might otherwise cause the bonded portion to separate, thereby preventing ink leakage and contamination while maintaining the simplicity of the bonding process
Solution Approach 2:
The protection rib acts as an intermediary element between the cover and the bonded portion. It transfers and distributes mechanical stresses away from the vulnerable bonded area, preventing direct force application to the bond line. This intermediary structure maintains bonded portion integrity without requiring complex bonding processes or additional adhesives
2Reliability
If the ink container is designed with secure attachment features to prevent separation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The protection rib serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the bonded portion from separation, guides the insertion of the ink container during attachment, and reinforces the overall structural integrity. By combining these functions into a single integrated feature rather than separate components, the design achieves high attachment security without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The protection rib is integrated directly into the cover structure, merging the protective function with the existing cover component. This eliminates the need for separate protective shields, reinforcement plates, or additional fastening mechanisms, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while achieving reliable attachment and preventing bonded portion separation
3Ease of operation
If the IC tag is positioned exposed on the ink container surface for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the IC tag is vulnerable to accidental damage during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The protection rib extends to cover the region where the IC tag is positioned, providing preemptive protection before any damage can occur during replacement operations. This rib structure acts as a physical barrier that shields the IC tag from accidental contact, bending, or breaking while still allowing necessary access for programming and identification functions
Data Source
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AI summary
The ink container (10) includes an ink pack (22), a paper case (24) and a cover (25). The ink pack (22) is configured to store ink. The paper case (24) is configured to store the ink pack (22) and to have a shape elongated in one direction. The cover (25) is bonded to an end portion (24a) in the one direction of the case (24). A protection rib (78) is protruded on an outer circumferential face (25a) of the cover (25). The protection rib (78) covers, from an outside in the one direction, a bonded portion (Y) of the end portion (24a) of the case (24) and the cover (25).