Ink Mixing Device with Automatic Shutter Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing writing implement ink cartridges have limited color options and require complete usage before changing, leading to inconvenience and waste when switching between ink colors.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple connectors and a metering system that allows users to mix inks directly in the cartridge by connecting ink reservoirs, eliminating the need to handle individual inks and preventing ink drying through automatic shutter configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users want to change ink color in traditional cartridges, then they must use the cartridge until empty or replace the entire cartridge, but this leads to ink waste and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the ink supply system into multiple separate reservoirs (at least two) that can be independently connected to the cartridge through separate connectors. This allows users to mix different colored inks in various proportions by connecting different reservoirs, enabling flexible color selection without wasting ink from unused cartridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering system allows users to change the proportion parameters of different inks drawn from each reservoir. By adjusting the volume of ink drawn from each reservoir (at least one volume can be zero), users can create custom ink mixtures with desired color properties, eliminating the need to waste remaining ink when changing colors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually handle and mix inks to change colors, then they gain color flexibility, but this increases complexity and risk of ink drying
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the ink mixing function automatically without requiring user intervention. The metering system automatically draws off specific volumes of ink from each connected reservoir and delivers them to the cartridge, while the mixing chamber performs the mixing. Users simply connect or disconnect reservoirs to change colors, eliminating complex manual handling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces intermediate components (separate connectors, metering system, and mixing chamber) between the ink reservoirs and the cartridge. These intermediaries automate the ink transfer and mixing processes, eliminating the need for users to directly handle and mix inks, thereby reducing operational complexity.
3Device complexity
If connectors remain open when reservoirs are disconnected, then the device is simple, but ink dries out in the connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet shutters dynamically change their state based on whether a reservoir is connected or disconnected. When a reservoir is connected, the shutter opens to allow ink flow; when disconnected, the shutter automatically closes to seal the connector. This dynamic adaptation prevents ink drying without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback through the inlet shutter mechanism that detects the presence or absence of a reservoir and相应地 adjusts the connector opening state. This feedback mechanism ensures the connector remains closed (preventing ink drying) whenever no reservoir is connected, maintaining ink freshness automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for filling cartridges for a writing implement, the device including at least two separate connectors, a system for metering inks and a system for filling a cartridge, each connector being configured to connect a reservoir containing an ink to the cartridge. The invention also concerns an assembly comprising a device as previously defined and a plurality of ink reservoirs, each ink reservoir being connected to a connector of the device and a method for filling a cartridge using such an assembly.