Ink Tank Holder Segmentation for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink cartridges for ink jet recording apparatuses face issues with engagement element wear and deformation due to repeated replacements, leading to malfunctions in the contact between the cartridge and the retainer, affecting reliable ink supply and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a holder and a disposable ink tank, where the holder contains contact elements and engagement elements that cooperate with the retainer, and the ink tank is designed with protection members to prevent conjoint handling, ensuring stable contact and secure mounting, with optional memory devices and resetting means for convenient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If engagement elements are provided on the ink cartridge for repeated replacements, then the ink cartridge can be easily replaced, but the engagement elements are exposed to wear and deformation leading to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The ink cartridge is divided into two separate parts: a reusable holder containing the engagement elements and contact elements, and a disposable ink tank. By segmenting the cartridge, the engagement elements are protected from wear during frequent replacements since only the ink tank is replaced, not the holder.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink tank is designed as a disposable component that is replaced frequently, while the holder with the engagement elements is reused. This allows the expensive engagement elements to be protected while the inexpensive ink tank absorbs the wear through single-use disposal.
2Loss of information
If contact elements are provided on the ink cartridge for data transmission, then information can be transmitted to the recording apparatus, but repeated replacements cause wear and contact failure
Solution Approach 1:
The contact elements are mounted on the reusable holder rather than the disposable ink tank. This segmentation ensures that the contact elements remain stationary and are not subjected to wear during frequent ink tank replacements, maintaining reliable data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary component that remains in the recording apparatus and provides stable contact elements for data transmission. The disposable ink tank connects to this intermediary without compromising the contact elements' stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the ink cartridge is designed as a single integrated unit, then manufacturing is simplified, but engagement element wear cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is segmented into a holder and an ink tank that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This allows the engagement elements on the holder to be protected from wear while still maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through modular assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for supplying ink to an recording apparatus comprising a holder for being operably secured to a retainer (4) of said recording apparatus said retainer (4) being provided with an ink receiving device (42, 43) and a terminal portion (41) connected to a processing unit, the holder (2, 102, 202, 302, 502) being formed as an at least partially open shell for receiving at least one ink tank (2, 103, 203, 303, 503) and comprising at least one contact element (21, 121, 221a, 221 b, 321, 421) provided on an outer surface (22) for contacting the terminal portion (41) provided on the retainer (4).