Ink Refill Pouch Support Structure to Prevent Spout Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of pouches as refill containers in inkjet printers is unstable, leading to potential ink leakage due to falling and bending, which can cause the spout to detach from the ink tank.

Innovation Solution

An ink container with a support member that maintains the pouch's posture and ensures stable connection to the ink tank through a spout, using a U-shaped support member with engagement portions that secure the pouch and prevent detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a pouch is used as a refill container to reduce plastic material usage, then plastic material usage is reduced, but the pouch becomes soft and unstable during ink refill, causing it to fall over and potentially leak ink

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplastic material usageVSAvoidpouch stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A support member is introduced as an intermediary between the pouch and the ink tank. The support member has a support portion that holds the pouch and an engagement portion that connects to the ink tank, providing structural stability while allowing the pouch to remain detachable for reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pouch is made from a flexible material that can be collapsed for storage but provides sufficient structural integrity when supported by the support member during the ink refill process, preventing it from falling over while maintaining its flexible nature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Loss of substance

If a pouch is used instead of a refill container, then plastic material usage is reduced, but the pouch may break when bending during refilling, resulting in ink leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplastic material usageVSAvoidpouch strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support member acts as a protective intermediary that prevents the pouch from bending excessively during refilling. By holding the pouch in a stable position, the support member eliminates the mechanical stress that would cause the pouch to break, while the pouch itself remains thin and lightweight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of substance

If a pouch is used as a refill container, then plastic material usage is reduced, but the spout portion may come off from the spout fixation portion during refill, causing ink leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplastic material usageVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support member serves as a stable intermediary that secures the pouch to the ink tank through its engagement portion. This reliable connection point prevents the spout portion from detaching during refilling, while the pouch itself remains a separate, reusable component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250346035A1Ink container and liquid ejection apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 CANON KK

AI summary

Provided are an ink container and a liquid ejection apparatus capable of reducing leakage during ink refill. They may contribute to achieving a sustainable society such as a decarbonized/recycling society. To this end, a pouch 20 is supported and held by a support member 24. This enables reduction in plastic usage and possibly contributes to achieving a sustainable society such as a decarbonized/recycling society.