Ink Supply Device Heater Unit Fixing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In inkjet recording apparatuses with multiple color ink systems, the existing configuration of heater units connected via screws makes it necessary to detach all heater units in front of a failed unit for maintenance, leading to potential ink leakage and contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
The ink supply device features a horizontal arrangement of heater units with a lower fixing member for secure attachment and an upper detachable fixing member, allowing individual heater unit replacement without disturbing non-failed units, enhancing rigidity and reducing maintenance complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If heater units are connected to each other using screws, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but all heater units must be detached for maintenance of a single failed unit
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure is divided into two independent segments: a lower fixing member that remains fixed and an upper fixing member that can be detached. This segmentation allows individual heater units to be accessed and replaced independently without requiring detachment of adjacent units, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and maintenance accessibility.
2Area of stationary object
If heater units are arranged horizontally, then space occupation is reduced, but rigidity requirements for latch mechanisms increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The complex latch mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler upper fixing member that can be easily attached and detached. The lower fixing member provides stable support while the upper fixing member enables easy access, eliminating the need for complex latch mechanisms while maintaining horizontal arrangement benefits.
3Stability of the object's composition
If all heater units are fixedly attached, then structural stability is improved, but maintenance of individual units becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different fixing characteristics are applied to different parts of the heater unit assembly. The lower fixing member provides stable, fixed attachment to ensure structural stability, while the upper fixing member provides detachable attachment to enable easy maintenance. This local differentiation of fixing quality resolves the contradiction between overall stability and individual accessibility.
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
This configuration enables the replacement of failed heater units without affecting other units, minimizing ink leakage and contamination risks while maintaining device rigidity, thus improving maintenance efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the ink fed from the ink container is heated by a heater and supplied to the inkjet recording apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An ink supply device includes a plurality of ink containers, a plurality of heater units, a frame, a lower fixing member and an upper fixing member. In the ink container, ink is stored. The heater units are arranged in a horizontal arrangement direction. The heater unit includes a tube in which the ink fed from the ink container is passed, a hearer heating the ink passing through the tube and a casing by which the tube and the heater are supported. In the frame, the ink containers and the heater units are stored. The lower fixing member is fixedly mounted to the frame and holds all lower portions of the heater units. The upper fixing member is detachably mounted to the frame and holds all upper portions of the heater units.