Ink Pack Cushioning Structure for Leak-Safe Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ink packs used in inkjet recording devices are difficult to attach and handle due to their flexible shape, leading to potential ink leakage and incomplete ink extraction, especially in large-capacity ink supply devices, where the absence of a housing increases the risk of damage and leakage.
Innovation Solution
A cushioning member comprising a first member with a recess shaped along the lower portion and a second member with a recess shaped along the upper portion of the ink pack, allowing the ink pack to be securely stored and attached to an ink supply device without direct handling, reducing the need for additional attachment mechanisms and protecting the ink pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flexible bag-shaped ink pack is used to reduce cost by omitting the housing, then the cost is reduced, but the ink pack becomes difficult to attach and handle due to its flexible shape
Solution Approach 1:
A cushioning member with a recess is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the flexible ink pack. The recess is shaped to accommodate the ink pack's form, providing a mediator that enables easy attachment and handling without requiring the ink pack itself to be rigid or requiring complex attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning member is divided into a first member with a first recess and a second member with a second recess. This segmentation allows the cushioning member to be designed as separate components that can be assembled to form the complete recess structure, providing flexibility in manufacturing while maintaining the attachment function.
2Ease of manufacture
If the ink pack is made flexible to reduce cost by omitting the housing, then the cost is reduced, but the ink pack shape and posture become unstable during attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning member acts as a stabilizing intermediary that provides a fixed geometric reference (the recess) for the flexible ink pack. The recess's shape complements the ink pack's form, enabling the flexible pack to maintain a stable posture during attachment without requiring the pack itself to be rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning member changes the effective shape parameters of the ink pack system by providing a rigid recess structure. This allows the flexible ink pack to assume a stable, defined shape when placed in the recess, effectively changing the system's geometric parameters from variable to fixed during the attachment process.
3Ease of operation
If the ink pack is handled directly during attachment, then the attachment process is simple, but the ink pack may be damaged resulting in ink leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning member serves as a protective intermediary between the operator's hands and the ink pack. By placing the ink pack into the cushioning member's recess rather than handling it directly, the operator avoids direct contact that could cause damage, while the cushioning member's soft material provides shock absorption and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning member provides pre-positioned cushioning and protection for the ink pack before attachment occurs. The recess is designed to cradle and protect the ink pack's vulnerable areas, providing beforehand protection against damage during the attachment process.
Data Source
AI summary
A cushioning member according to the present disclosure includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a first recess shaped along a lower portion of an ink-filled ink pack. The second member has a second recess shaped along an upper portion of the ink pack. The ink pack is stored in a space formed by facing the first recess and the second recess. The ink pack is attached to an ink supply device in a state where it is placed on the first member.