Inkjet Printer Sub-Tanks Overlapping Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face challenges in reducing the mounting width of sub-tanks without decreasing the size of each sub-tank, leading to frequent ink supplies and reduced benefits from a disconnectable sub-tank system.
Innovation Solution
The sub-tanks are arranged such that adjacent ones overlap partially in both the main scanning and sheet conveying directions, with a bellows-like design allowing expansion and contraction, and a mechanism connecting main tanks to sub-tanks to supply ink efficiently while maintaining the sub-tanks' size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If sub-tanks are made small in size to reduce mounting width, then the mounting width is reduced, but the amount of ink stored in each sub-tank is reduced, necessitating frequent ink supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of sub-tanks to a two-dimensional overlapping arrangement. Sub-tanks are positioned such that they overlap in both the main scanning direction and the sheet conveying direction, allowing the mounting width to be reduced while maintaining adequate ink storage capacity through optimized three-dimensional spatial utilization
2Length of stationary object
If sub-tanks are arranged side by side without overlap, then the mounting width is reduced, but the sub-tanks cannot maintain adequate size for sufficient ink storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where sub-tanks are positioned overlappingly in both main scanning and sheet conveying directions. This allows smaller individual sub-tank volumes to be accommodated within a compact mounting structure, effectively reducing the overall mounting width while maintaining sufficient ink storage through the overlapping configuration
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
This configuration reduces the mounting width of sub-tanks without reducing their size, allowing for stable contraction and efficient ink supply, maintaining the benefits of a disconnectable system while preventing increased mounting depth.
Implementation Method 1
each of the sub-tanks has a form of bellows that are expandable and contractible in the direction perpendicular to both the main scanning direction and the sheet conveying direction
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printer including a printhead unit. The printhead unit includes a printhead for ejecting ink onto a sheet and a plurality of sub-tanks for supplying the ink to the printhead. The printhead unit is configured to reciprocate in a main scanning direction that is perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction. The plurality of sub-tanks is arranged such that two of the plurality of sub-tanks are adjacent to each other. The adjacent two sub-tanks overlap with each other, at least partially, both as seen in a direction parallel to the main scanning direction and as seen in a direction parallel to the sheet conveying direction.