Inkpad Holder Retaining Web Design for Self-Inking Stamps

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inkpad holders for self-inking stamps often result in ink contamination and handling difficulties due to bulging inkpads and thread formation during replacement, as the support projections do not extend into corner zones, requiring skilled handling to avoid contamination.

Innovation Solution

The inkpad holder design features a retaining web that extends along the entire length of the wall, ensuring the inkpad is securely positioned and preventing bulging or protrusion, with the web being integral to the wall and manufactured using an injection molding process with a specialized injection mold tool that allows for easy release and demolding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the inkpad holder uses conventional support projections that do not extend into corner zones, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the inkpad bulges and forms threads leading to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinkpad retention reliabilityVSAvoidinkpad holder structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining structure is segmented into multiple retaining webs distributed across different walls of the inkpad holder. Each retaining web is integrated into a specific wall and extends into the receiving space, collectively providing comprehensive support to the inkpad including corner zones, thereby preventing bulging and thread formation while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining webs extend in multiple spatial dimensions from different walls into the receiving space, creating a three-dimensional retention network. This multi-dimensional approach ensures comprehensive inkpad support without requiring complex corner-specific structures, resolving the contradiction between reliability and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the inkpad holder uses retaining webs extending over the entire wall length, then the inkpad is securely retained without bulging, but the injection molding process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinkpad position stabilityVSAvoidinjection molding ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining webs are merged with the wall structures as integral components, forming a unified injection-molded piece. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and complex tooling, allowing the retaining webs to extend over entire wall lengths while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through single-step injection molding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the inkpad holder uses conventional design without full-length retaining webs, then the injection molding tool is simpler, but the inkpad can protrude and cause contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink contaminationVSAvoidinjection molding tool complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining webs are pre-formed as integral parts of the injection-molded inkpad holder, establishing the inkpad's boundaries and retention structure before the inkpad is even inserted. This preliminary structural preparation prevents inkpad protrusion and potential contamination during use, while the injection molding process incorporates these features in a single manufacturing step, avoiding additional tooling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution provides reliable inkpad retention, preventing contamination and simplifying the replacement process by ensuring the inkpad remains securely in place, while the injection molding method ensures efficient and precise production without complicating the assembly or demolding process.

Implementation Method 1

a device for injection moulding such an inkpad holder, having an injection mould tool comprising a first and a second tool part, which injection mould tool encloses a mould cavity in a closing position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInjection molding:

Implementation Method 2

The first and second tool parts are movably supported relative to one another in an opening or closing direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling and solidification: Freezing

Data Source

PatentUS11426910B2Inkpad holder and device and method for producing the same
Publication Date: 2022.08.30 COLOP STEMPELERZEUGUNG SKOPEK GMBH & CO KG
  • US11426910B2 patent drawing
  • US11426910B2 patent drawing
  • US11426910B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An inkpad holder for arrangement in an insertion compartment of a self-inking stamp includes a one-piece body having a bottom and walls projecting therefrom which delimit a receiving space for receiving an inkpad. At least one wall of the inkpad holder has a retaining web protruding into the receiving space in order to retain the inkpad, the retaining web extending over the entire length of the wall.