Ink Tank Terminal Access via Removable Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank units for liquid jetting systems, such as inkjet printers, face challenges in performing electrical conductivity tests and maintenance tests in a simple and efficient manner, particularly due to the complexity of accessing terminal parts and preventing ink or foreign material adhesion.
Innovation Solution
The tank unit design includes a tank with a liquid container and a terminal part that can be electrically connected externally, featuring openings in an exterior part or supporting member to expose the terminal part for easy testing, along with a sealing member to prevent adhesion and foreign material intrusion, allowing for straightforward testing and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal part is enclosed within the tank unit for protection, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in accessing the terminal part for testing
Solution Approach 1:
The tank unit is divided into a tank body and a separate cap assembly. The cap can be removed to expose the terminal part, allowing testing access while maintaining protection when attached. This segmentation enables the terminal part to be both protected and accessible as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed to be removable and reattachable, providing dynamic access to the terminal part. When the cap is removed, the terminal part is exposed for testing; when attached, it provides protection. This dynamic structure resolves the contradiction between constant protection and periodic accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the terminal part is exposed for easy testing, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to ink or foreign material adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed to be removed only when testing is required, and the terminal part is exposed temporarily for the duration of the test. After testing, the cap is reattached to prevent ink adhesion. This preliminary planning of access timing minimizes exposure to harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap acts as an intermediary barrier between the terminal part and the ink/foreign materials. When attached, it prevents direct contact and adhesion. When removed, it allows controlled access for testing. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction between accessibility and contamination prevention.
3Ease of manufacture
If the tank unit structure is simplified for easy manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity worsens due to inability to provide both protection and testing access
Solution Approach 1:
The cap serves multiple functions: it protects the terminal part when attached, provides access when removed, and can incorporate sealing elements to prevent ink adhesion. This multi-functionality allows a simple structure to achieve complex functional requirements, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and functional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technique for allowing a test for a tank to be performed in a simple manner. A tank unit 20A has a plurality of ink tanks 25A, a substrate part 80, and a casing part 21A. Each ink tank 25A includes electrode pins 70a and 70b used for detection of ink IN. The substrate part 80 is connected to back ends 72a and 72b of the electrode pins 70a and 70b protruding outside of the ink tanks 25A. The casing part 21A stores the ink tanks 25A and the substrate part 80. Through windows 92 that expose the electrode pins 70a and 70b to the outside are provided in the back face of the casing part 21A.