Ink Tank Adapter Packaging Under Pressure Differential

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container arrangements for ink cartridges deform due to pressure differentials when packaged in gas-impermeable bags, leading to permanent deformation and potential ink quality issues from gas dissolution.

Innovation Solution

A container arrangement where the ink tank is packaged under low pressure within a gas-impermeable bag, while the adapter is kept outside at atmospheric pressure, using a rigid frame for the ink tank and a less rigid adapter to prevent deformation, and positioning the adapter outside the packaging bag to maintain its shape and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the adapter is packaged inside the depressurized packaging bag with the ink tank, then the packaging is more compact and space-efficient, but the adapter deforms due to the pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the bag

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging volumeVSAvoidadapter shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging arrangement is segmented into two distinct zones: a first space (inside the packaging bag) for the ink tank under depressurization, and a second space (outside the packaging bag) for the adapter at atmospheric pressure. This spatial segmentation allows each component to be packaged in the most suitable pressure environment, preventing adapter deformation while maintaining compact packaging overall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the ink tank is packaged under low pressure in a gas-impermeable bag, then gas dissolution in ink is prevented and ink quality is maintained, but the ink tank may deform due to the pressure differential

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink qualityVSAvoidink tank shape
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure parameter is changed differently for different components: the ink tank is packaged under low pressure to maintain ink quality by preventing gas dissolution, while the adapter is kept at atmospheric pressure to maintain its shape. This differential parameter change resolves the contradiction between ink quality preservation and component shape maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Shape

If the adapter is made with high rigidity to prevent deformation under pressure, then the adapter maintains its shape, but the adapter cannot be inserted into the ink tank due to space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter shapeVSAvoidadapter insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging arrangement acts as an intermediary that protects the low-rigidity adapter from pressure deformation by providing a separate atmospheric pressure environment. This allows the adapter to maintain its shape during packaging and transportation without requiring high rigidity, enabling easy insertion into the ink tank while preserving the benefit of low rigidity for insertability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Prevents deformation of both the ink tank and adapter, ensuring the ink tank's shape is maintained and the adapter's functionality is preserved, even under pressure differentials, thus maintaining ink quality and adapter integrity.

Implementation Method 1

A pressure of an interior of the packaging bag is less than a pressure of an exterior of the packaging bag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the ink cartridge is packed in a package bag which is impervious to gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas impermeability: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP2147792B1Container arrangement
Publication Date: 2012.12.26 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP2147792B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2147792B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(B)
  • EP2147792B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(B)

AI summary

A container arrangement includes a packaging arrangement, an adapter, and a container enclosing each of the packaging arrangement and the adapter. The packaging arrangement includes an ink tank and a packaging bag enclosing the ink tank. The ink tank defines an ink chamber therein, and the ink chamber is configured to store ink therein. A pressure of an interior of the packaging bag is less than a pressure of an exterior of the packaging bag. An adapter is configured to be used with the ink tank. The adapter is positioned outside the packaging bag.