Ink Flow Connection Mechanism for Splash-Free Container Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Residual ink splashes during the removal of ink containers from ink-jet recording apparatuses, soiling the operator's hands and the apparatus.

Innovation Solution

A connection mechanism with a first connecting portion in the container and a second connecting portion in the apparatus main body, featuring a slide member and check valves to prevent backflow and control ink flow, ensuring smooth disconnection without splashing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the container is removed from the apparatus main body to replace depleted ink, then the container can be replaced, but residual ink splashes and soils the operator's hands and the apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer replaceabilityVSAvoidink splashing and soiling
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The slide member is moved in advance during the removal process to close the liquid flow passage before the container is fully detached. This preliminary action ensures that residual ink is contained within the apparatus main body and does not splash onto the operator or environment during container replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The slide member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the container removal action and the liquid flow passage closure. By introducing this intermediate component, the system can control ink flow independently of the container mounting/dismounting motion, preventing splashing while maintaining easy replaceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a simple connecting mechanism is used for container attachment, then the device complexity is reduced, but residual ink cannot be prevented from splashing during removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection mechanism simplicityVSAvoidink splashing
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism incorporates a movable slide member that dynamically changes the state of the liquid flow passage from open to closed during container removal. This dynamic element adds minimal complexity while effectively preventing ink splashing, transforming a static connection into a controlled, adaptive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The slide member is designed to be automatically actuated by the container removal motion itself. As the container is pulled away, the slide member is driven by the same motion to close the passage, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and keeping the overall system simple while effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the liquid flow passage remains open during container removal, then the container can be easily detached, but residual ink splashes outward

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer detachment easeVSAvoidresidual ink splashing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid flow passage is closed preliminarily during the detachment process through slide member movement, before the container is fully separated. This timing ensures that the passage closure happens while the container is still partially connected, preventing residual ink from escaping during the final separation moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The slide member movement is integrated with the container removal motion itself, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the detachment process. The same motion that detaches the container also closes the passage, ensuring that the beneficial effect (preventing splashing) occurs continuously during the entire removal operation without requiring separate actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Prevents residual ink from splashing during container removal, keeping the operator's hands and apparatus clean.

Implementation Method 1

a check valve that is arranged in a part of the interior of the main body portion downstream of the slide member in the liquid feeding direction to prevent backflow of the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCheck valve backflow prevention: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS12441116B2Connection mechanism for a liquid flow passage, and ink-jet recording apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.10.14 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • US12441116B2 patent drawing
  • US12441116B2 patent drawing
  • US12441116B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A second connecting portion (20) includes a main body portion (21), a slide member (22), and a check valve (25). A first connecting portion (10) and the second connecting portion (20) are connected together by inserting a joint portion (101) in the main body portion (21), bringing the joint portion (101) into contact with the slide member (22), and pressing the slide member (22) inward in a direction toward the check valve (25). When the joint portion (101) is removed, the slide member (22) moves away from the check valve (25) while in contact with the joint portion (101).