Ink Container Ridge Design for Flow Path Blockage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ink container configurations, such as those described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-107823, face challenges with blockage of the ink flow path due to deformation of the ink storage portion as ink is consumed, especially in configurations without an ink outlet tube or spacer member.
Innovation Solution
The proposed ink container design includes a flexible ink storage portion with a ridge portion on its surface, which crosses an imaginary line extending from the central axis of the ink supply portion. This configuration suppresses blockage of the flow path by maintaining the ink flow path open even as the ink storage portion deforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ink storage portion is made flexible to store ink, then the storage capacity and adaptability are improved, but the flow path becomes prone to blockage due to deformation as ink is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The ridge portion is pre-formed on the ink storage portion at a position that will maintain flow path openness even after deformation occurs during ink consumption. This preliminary structural feature prevents blockage before it can occur, rather than attempting to correct it after deformation happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The ridge portion creates a localized structural feature on the ink storage portion that specifically addresses the flow path area. This local modification maintains the overall flexibility of the container while providing a specific region that prevents blockage, allowing different parts of the container to have different functional properties.
2Quantity of substance
If the ink storage portion deforms as ink is consumed, then the flexible bag contracts, but this deformation causes blockage of the flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The ridge portion is pre-formed on the ink storage portion at a position that will maintain flow path openness even after deformation occurs during ink consumption. This preliminary structural feature prevents blockage before it can occur, rather than attempting to correct it after deformation happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The ridge portion modifies the physical structure of the ink storage portion to create a permanent elevation or ridge that maintains flow path openness. This structural parameter change ensures that even as the overall shape of the flexible bag changes during ink consumption, the critical flow path area maintains its functionality.
3Device complexity
If no spacer member or ink outlet tube is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flow path becomes susceptible to blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for separate spacer members or ink outlet tubes by integrating the flow path protection function directly into the ink storage portion through the ridge portion. This extraction of the protective function from separate components and its integration into the main container reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ridge portion on the ink storage portion performs multiple functions: it maintains structural integrity of the flexible bag, guides ink flow toward the supply member, and prevents blockage of the flow path. By making the ink storage portion itself multi-functional, the invention eliminates the need for separate specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an ink container in which blockage of a flow path in an ink storage portion is suppressed and a recording apparatus using the ink container. The ink container includes an ink storage portion that has flexibility and that is configured to store ink in an interior thereof and an ink supply portion that is configured to supply the ink stored in the ink storage portion to outside. A ridge portion is provided at a certain position on a surface of the ink storage portion in such a manner as to cross an imaginary line obtained by extending a central axis of the ink supply portion.