Ink Jet Printing Apparatus Ink Tank Fixation Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ink jet printing systems face instability during ink injection due to a gap between the needle and the outlet port, leading to insecure fixation of the ink supply container and potential errors in ink replenishment.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a first shape portion near the injection port and a displaceable flow channel member that engages a second shape portion on the ink supply container, ensuring secure fixation and preventing incorrect ink injection through mechanical identification grooves and shape portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gap is provided between the needle and the outlet port to facilitate alignment and insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of fixation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is divided into multiple functional elements: the needle assembly with flow channel member, the outlet port with engagement protrusion, and the recess in the ink tank. This segmentation allows the gap to serve alignment purposes while the engagement features provide secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel member is disposed inside the injection port, and the needle is inserted through the flow channel member into the outlet port. This nested arrangement allows the gap to exist at the outer interface while inner components maintain secure connection.
2Ease of operation
If the ink supply container is made displaceable to facilitate insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability during ink injection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel member is designed to be displaceable in a direction intersecting the inserting direction, allowing it to adjust during insertion while the outlet port and ink tank maintain fixed positions for stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement protrusion and recess are pre-configured to automatically align and engage when the ink supply container is inserted, providing stable fixation without requiring manual adjustment during the injection process.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes an ink tank and a flow channel member. The tank includes an ink chamber that stores ink, an injection port through which the ink is injected into the chamber, and a first shape portion formed near the injection port. The flow channel member is configured to be disposed inside the injection port and form a channel through which the ink is injected into the chamber. The ink is injected to the chamber from an ink supply container which includes a second shape portion formed near an outlet port of the container and configured to engage the first shape portion. The flow channel member is displaceable in a direction intersecting an inserting direction of inserting the outlet port into the injection port. The container is fixed to the tank by engagement between the first and second shape portions.