Compact Liquid Container Cap Lever Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid container devices for liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in reducing their vertical height and overall size due to the design of the cap lever, which projects upward and requires additional space for operation, making it difficult to minimize the device's height and size effectively.
Innovation Solution
The liquid container device incorporates a cap lever that pivots and has a planar surface facing the cover, with the end of the cap lever's body separated from the wall portion in the opposite direction, allowing for a more compact design by eliminating projections that obstruct height reduction, and includes a visualization surface for liquid level monitoring and a pivoting cover for protection and replenishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cap lever projects vertically upward with a grip for user operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the height of the liquid container device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap lever body extends in the second direction (lateral direction) rather than projecting vertically upward. This dimensional change allows the operating portion to be positioned laterally, reducing the vertical height requirement while maintaining operational accessibility. The cap lever pivots about a pivot axis, with the body extending perpendicular to the vertical direction, effectively moving the operation interface from the vertical dimension to the lateral dimension.
2Ease of operation
If the cap lever has a grip projecting upward for user holding, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cap lever integrates multiple functions into a single component: the cap portion seals the inlet, the body provides the operating interface, and the engageable portion interfaces with the casing. This merging eliminates the need for separate grip components and reduces structural complexity near the inlet while maintaining ease of operation through the lateral extension of the body.
3Length of stationary object
If the end of the cap lever body is positioned close to the wall portion for compactness, then the height is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to potential deformation from excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The cap lever body has a planar surface disposed to face the cover, creating a localized flat region that provides a proper operating interface. This local quality enhancement ensures that user force is applied evenly to the planar surface, preventing deformation while maintaining compact dimensions. The planar surface acts as a force distribution zone that protects against excessive localized stress.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid container device includes: a liquid container having an inlet; a casing in which the liquid container is housed; and a cap lever having a cap configured to seal the inlet. The liquid container has an upper surface, and a visualization surface. The casing includes a cover configured to pivot and that protects the upper surface, a cap lever-engaging portion, a visualization portion having an opening, and a wall portion disposed on the +Z direction side with respect to the visualization portion. The cap lever includes an engageable portion configured to be engaged with the cap lever-engaging portion, and a body extending in the +Y direction from the engageable portion. A surface disposed so as to face the cover of the body is planar, and an end of the body in the +Y direction is separated from an end of the wall portion in the +Z direction.