Ink Container Screw Connection Radial Size Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink containers with ratchet mechanisms for securing the ink outlet suffer from increased radial size, which complicates design and functionality, and lack efficient engagement mechanisms for smooth operation.
Innovation Solution
The ink container design incorporates a first connection portion with a screw forming portion on its outer surface and a second connection portion with a screw forming portion on its inner surface, featuring a stopper mechanism with convex portions that allow for thread engagement and prevent rotation in the opposite direction, thereby maintaining compact size and facilitating easy engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ratchet mechanism is provided with pawls on the outer circumferential surface and teeth located outside the pawls in the radial direction, then rotation in one direction is permitted while rotation in the opposite direction is restricted, but the size in the radial direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is nested inside the outer circumference of the second connection portion, with the stopper's convex portion fitting within the space defined by the second connection portion's outer circumference. This nesting arrangement allows the ratchet mechanism to function while maintaining a compact radial profile, as the stopper does not extend beyond the existing outer boundaries of the connection portion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the stopper externally in the radial direction, the invention relocates it to the axial dimension by placing it inside the outer circumference of the second connection portion. The stopper's convex portion interacts with the threaded portion axially to prevent reverse rotation, thereby achieving the ratchet function without increasing radial size.
2Reliability
If a ratchet mechanism is provided to restrict rotation direction, then engagement reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is integrated as part of the container body structure, with the convex portion of the stopper working in conjunction with the threaded portion of the second connection portion. This merging of the stopper into the existing connection mechanism achieves the ratchet function without adding separate, complex components, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring engagement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded portion of the second connection portion serves dual functions: it provides the screw thread engagement for connecting the ink outlet forming portion to the container body, and it also acts as the ratchet teeth that interact with the stopper's convex portion to prevent reverse rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate ratchet components, simplifying the overall mechanism.
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
This design prevents radial size increase, enhances engagement reliability, and allows for easy verification of connection states, ensuring smooth operation and efficient ink flow.
Implementation Method 1
the first connection portion includes a first screw forming portion provided on an outer surface, the second connection portion includes a second screw forming portion provided on an inner surface and configured to be brought into thread engagement with the first screw forming portion
Data Source
AI summary
An ink container includes: a container body that contains ink; and an ink outlet forming portion that has an ink outlet. The container body includes a first connection portion provided around an opening. The ink outlet forming portion includes a second connection portion connectable to the first connection portion. The first connection portion includes a first screw forming portion provided on an outer surface. The second connection portion includes a second screw forming portion provided on an inner surface and configured to be brought into thread engagement with the first screw forming portion. The container body and the ink outlet forming portion include a stopper located inside an outer circumference of the second connection portion in a radial direction, the center of which is a center axis of the first connection portion and the second connection portion.