Ink Replenish Container Dual-Protrusion Cap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ink replenish containers for printers face issues with sealability and structural problems, leading to ink leakage and inefficiencies, especially when stored or used in various positions.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a cap with first and second protrusions that form exit seal portions on the outer and inner circumferential surfaces of the ink outlet, respectively, and an exit valve with a third protrusion, positioned closer to the center axis, to enhance sealing and reduce leakage by controlling internal pressure and minimizing distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single seal portion is formed at the ink outlet, then the structure is simple, but ink leakage occurs and sealability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is divided into multiple independent seal portions: a first seal portion formed by a first protrusion contacting the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet, and a second seal portion formed by a second protrusion contacting the inner circumferential surface of the ink outlet. This segmentation allows each seal portion to independently contribute to sealing, preventing ink leakage while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The second protrusion is positioned inside the first protrusion, creating a nested configuration where the inner seal portion (second protrusion) is contained within the outer seal portion (first protrusion). This nested arrangement enables dual sealing action with concentric seal portions, enhancing reliability without excessive complexity.
2Device complexity
If the ink outlet outer surface is not sealed, then the structure is simple, but ink smearing occurs on outer portions
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented between two distinct locations: the first protrusion seals the outer circumferential surface to prevent ink smearing on external surfaces, while the second protrusion seals the inner circumferential surface to prevent leakage at the opening. This segmentation addresses both harmful effects independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The first protrusion acts as an intermediary sealing element between the ink outlet and the external environment, preventing direct contact between ink and outer surfaces. The second protrusion serves as an intermediary within the ink outlet structure, sealing the internal flow path.
3Device complexity
If seal portions are positioned at the same distance from the center axis, then the structure is symmetric and simple, but distortion occurs and sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal portions are deliberately positioned asymmetrically relative to the center axis of the ink outlet. The first seal portion is located at a first distance from the center axis, while the second seal portion is located at a second distance that is smaller than the first distance. This asymmetric positioning prevents uniform distortion and maintains effective sealing under various conditions.
4Device complexity
If only one protrusion is used in the cap, then the cap structure is simple, but ink leakage cannot be reliably prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is equipped with two separate protrusions instead of one, dividing the sealing function into two distinct elements. The first protrusion creates the first seal portion, and the second protrusion creates the second seal portion. This segmentation of the cap structure enables dual sealing action for reliable leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The second protrusion is nested within the first protrusion, creating a concentric arrangement where both protrusions work together. This nested configuration allows the cap to provide multiple sealing interfaces without excessive structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink replenish container comprises a container main body that is able to store the ink; an ink outlet formation member, attached to a front end side of the container main body, to form an ink outlet; and a cap attachable to a front end side of the ink outlet formation member. The ink outlet includes an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface located inward of the outer circumferential surface, the inner circumferential surface surrounding an opening through which the ink passes. The cap includes a first protrusion that is configured to contact with the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet to form a first exit seal portion, and a second protrusion that is configured to contact with the inner circumferential surface of the ink outlet to form a second exit seal portion.