Print Apparatus Ink Drip Management via Protruding Absorbent Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print apparatus technologies fail to effectively address ink dripping during cartridge removal, with previous solutions either focusing on the cartridge side or risking ink sticking around the removal port.
Innovation Solution
A liquid consumption apparatus with a liquid delivery unit, a liquid accepting unit, and an abutting section, where the liquid accepting unit is positioned vertically below the liquid delivery unit to catch and guide leaked ink to an absorbent material, and a gutter member to ensure reliable absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a re-absorption member is provided to the cartridge side to absorb leaked ink, then ink dripping on the cartridge side is prevented, but ink dripping from the print apparatus side is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the absorbent member on the cartridge side as in conventional technology, the patent inverts the approach by providing the absorbent member on the print apparatus side at the removal port. This inversion allows the system to address ink dripping from the print apparatus side, which was previously neglected, while maintaining the ability to handle ink leakage comprehensively
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an absorber body is provided to the print apparatus side to absorb leaked ink, then ink dripping from the print apparatus side is addressed, but ink may stick around the vicinity of the removal port
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing the absorbent member at a specific localized position - the removal port area - rather than broadly throughout the print apparatus. This targeted placement ensures that ink dripping at the critical removal port location is absorbed effectively, while preventing ink from spreading and sticking around the vicinity of the removal port
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent member acts as an intermediary element positioned at the removal port to intercept and absorb ink before it can stick to surrounding areas. This mediator prevents the harmful effect of ink sticking by providing a dedicated absorption zone that captures leaked ink
3Reliability
If the liquid accepting unit protrudes closer toward the liquid supply member, then ink leakage is caught more effectively, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the liquid accepting unit with the abutting section, integrating the ink leakage prevention function into the existing structural component. By combining these functions, the system achieves effective ink catching without adding separate complex structures, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability
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
Effectively manages ink dripping during cartridge removal by ensuring ink is caught and absorbed, preventing sticking and ensuring reliable ink management within the print apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid accepting unit protrudes out closer toward the liquid supply member than a surface where the liquid supply member and the abutting section abut against each other
Implementation Method 2
a first absorbent material configured to absorb the liquid is provided in the liquid consumption apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid consumption apparatus, onto which a liquid supply member is mounted, includes a liquid delivery unit, a liquid accepting unit and an abutting section. The liquid delivery unit is configured to deliver a liquid from the liquid supply member. The liquid accepting unit is provided below the liquid delivery unit. The abutting section abuts against the liquid supply member. The liquid accepting unit is provided to the abutting section. In a state where the abutting section and the liquid supply member abut against each other, the liquid accepting unit protrudes out closer toward the liquid supply member than a surface where the liquid supply member and the abutting section abut against each other.