Inkjet Refilling Adapter With Modular Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet printer cartridges are expensive to replace, and existing manual refilling methods are difficult and messy, often damaging the cartridges, especially for inexperienced users.

Innovation Solution

An integrated inkjet cartridge refilling system that includes a drill station for creating refilling holes, an evacuation station to remove excess ink, an ink filling station, and a test station to ensure the cartridge functions properly after refilling, using a modular design with adapters and fixtures to accommodate different cartridge types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If manual refilling methods are used, then refilling cost is reduced, but operation difficulty increases and cartridge damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefilling costVSAvoidoperation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a refilling adapter as an intermediary device that connects between the refilling system and the inkjet cartridge. This adapter includes a receiving portion that mates with the cartridge and a connection portion that interfaces with the refilling system, thereby mediating the refilling process to reduce direct handling and damage to the cartridge while maintaining cost effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The refilling adapter incorporates self-aligning features and automated connection mechanisms that allow the system to perform refilling with minimal manual intervention. The adapter's design includes guide surfaces and positioning features that automatically align components during the refilling process, reducing operation difficulty

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of substance

If manual refilling methods are used, then refilling cost is reduced, but cartridge damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefilling costVSAvoidcartridge damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The refilling adapter is designed with cushioning elements and protective features that are in place before the refilling process begins. These include soft sealing surfaces, shock-absorbing mounting structures, and pre-positioned alignment features that prevent damage during cartridge handling and attachment to the refilling system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves as a protective intermediary between the refilling system and the cartridge, absorbing mechanical stresses and preventing direct contact between potentially damaging refilling components and the delicate cartridge structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If integrated refilling system is used, then refilling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefilling efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The refilling system is divided into modular functional units including a drill station for creating refill holes, an evacuation station for removing excess ink, a filling station for ink delivery, and a test station for functionality verification. Each station operates independently but integrates through the common adapter interface, improving efficiency while managing complexity through modularity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The refilling adapter is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different inkjet cartridge types and work with various refilling station configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single adapter design to support multiple operations (drilling, evacuation, filling, testing) and different cartridge formats, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system enables efficient, safe, and effective refilling of inkjet cartridges, minimizing damage and ensuring proper functionality, while allowing for easy adaptation to new cartridge designs.

Implementation Method 1

an evacuation station configured to remove excess ink from the inkjet printer cartridge via a vacuum source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS10011117B2Inkjet refilling adapter

Publication Date: 2018.07.03 RETAIL INKJET SOLUTIONS

AI summary

Embodiments provide an inkjet cartridge refilling system. The system may include a drill station configured to drill at least one refilling hole in an inkjet printer cartridge. The system may include an evacuation station configured to remove excess ink from the inkjet printer cartridge. In some embodiments, the excess ink is removed via a vacuum source. The system may also include a filling station configured to provide any of a plurality of inks into the cartridge. Some embodiments provide the ink to the inkjet cartridge via a hole drilled in the cartridge. Other embodiments provide the ink via inkjet nozzles of the inkjet printer cartridge. The system may also include a test station configured to test the refilled cartridge to determine whether it is functioning properly after being filled with ink.