Inkjet Connection Member Merging External and Internal Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ink feeding structures in inkjet recording devices require the fabrication of external and internal joint members, doubling die costs and increasing production costs, and involve a laborious process of discerning and attaching these members.
Innovation Solution
A connection member with a communicating portion, an engaging portion, and an engaged portion that allows two connection members of the same type to be easily connected and communicate with each other, eliminating the need for external and internal members, and enhancing sealing properties through specific aperture designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external and internal joint members are used to connect storage tank and recording heads, then connection functionality is achieved, but die cost doubles and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of external and internal joint members into a single integrated connection member. This connection member includes both an external joint portion for connecting to the storage tank and an internal joint portion for connecting to the recording head, eliminating the need for separate external and internal members. This reduces die cost from requiring two different dies to requiring only one die, while maintaining full connection functionality.
2Reliability
If external and internal joint members are used for connection, then connection functionality is achieved, but the attachment process becomes laborious requiring discernment of different members
Solution Approach 1:
By combining external and internal joint members into a single connection member with integrated external joint portion and internal joint portion, the attachment process is simplified. Workers no longer need to discern between different types of members (external vs. internal), as there is only one type of connection member to attach, reducing operational complexity and labor requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different joint members are fabricated, then connection requirements are met, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple joint member types into a single unified connection member design. This single member incorporates both the external joint portion (with external threading) and internal joint portion (with internal threading), allowing it to satisfy multiple connection requirements while reducing production complexity from manufacturing two different member types to manufacturing only one type.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection member is provided that can be fabricated at low cost and easily attached to a target component. The connection member is a member to be connected to and to communicate with a first component. The connection member is further connectable to another connection member to be connected to and to communicate with a second component. The connection member includes a communicating portion connectable to and communicatable with the first component, engaging portions engageable into the other connection member, and engaged portions into which the other connection member is engageable. These connection members are mutually connectable to communicate with each other.