Liquid Container Electric Contact Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink cartridges face issues with imperfect electric connections between the information memory unit and the connection terminal due to positional errors, leading to unreliable mechanical and physical contact, which can result in poor electric connections and potential 'empty-cartridge printing' in ink-jet recording apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
The liquid container design includes electric contacts on a second outer wall surface orthogonal to the first outer wall surface, aligned with positioning members to ensure high positioning precision and eliminate offset, allowing for stable contact pressure and reliable mechanical connection with the connection terminal, preventing rotational displacement and enhancing electric contact reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric contacts are provided on the container body to connect with the connection terminal, then information memory can be accessed, but positional errors cause imperfect electric contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the electric contacts from the front surface to the top surface of the container body, changing the spatial dimension of contact. This dimensional shift allows the engaging member to press the contacts downward onto the connection terminal, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve reliable contact while compensating for horizontal positioning tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging member acts as an intermediary that applies pressing force to the electric contacts, ensuring stable electrical connection. This mediator component compensates for positioning errors by mechanically forcing the contacts into reliable contact with the connection terminal through controlled pressing action.
2Manufacturing precision
If positioning members are provided to improve positioning precision, then electric contact accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning function and the electrical connection function into a single integrated structure. The engaging member simultaneously performs both positioning (by fitting into the engaging groove) and electrical contact (by pressing the electric contacts onto the connection terminal), eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging member serves multiple functions: it positions the container body, presses the electric contacts for electrical connection, and prevents rotational displacement. This multi-functional design achieves high positioning precision without increasing device complexity, as one component fulfills multiple roles.
3Ease of operation
If the container body is detachably attached to allow cartridge replacement, then ease of operation improves, but positioning accuracy may deteriorate due to repeated attachment/detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning members and engaging grooves are pre-configured in fixed positions on both the container body and cartridge attachment unit. This preliminary positioning arrangement ensures that every time the container is attached, it automatically returns to the same precise position, maintaining consistent electrical connection reliability across multiple attachment/detachment cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a simple geometric fitting mechanism between positioning members and engaging grooves. This simplified mechanical interface ensures repeatable positioning accuracy through precise geometric matching, maintaining connection reliability even after repeated attachment and detachment operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a liquid container (1) that includes: a container body (2) that is detachably attached to a container attachment unit (11) of a liquid consumption apparatus so as to supply liquid retained in an ink retainer portion inside thereof to the liquid consumption apparatus; a first and a second positioning portions (3a,3b) that are provided on a first outer wall surface (2a) of the container body with a certain distance provided therebetween so as to prevent the move of the container body in a direction along the first outer wall surface thereof when a first and a second positioning members (13a,b) fit therein, respectively, the first and the second positioning members being provided on a first opposing surface (12) of the container attachment unit to which the first outer wall surface thereof is opposed in an attached state; a liquid feed outlet (4) that is provided on the first outer wall surface of the container body in such a manner that a liquid supply unit (14), which is provided on the first opposing surface, is communicated with the ink retainer portion inside therethrough; an information memory unit; electric contacts (5a) that are provided in the proximity of the first positioning portion (3a) on a second outer wall surface (2b) of the container body which is orthogonal to the first outer wall surface (2a) thereof, the electric contacts causing the information memory unit provided on the container body to be connected to an information control circuit of the liquid consumption apparatus when the electric contacts are press-contacted with a connection terminal (16), which is provided on a second opposing surface (15) of the container attachment unit that is opposed to the second outer wall surface in an attached state; and an engaging portion (7) that is provided at the second-outer-wall-surface side when viewed from a central axis of the first positioning portion, the engaging portion (7) preventing the detachment of the container body from the container attachment unit when an engaging member (19) provided on the second opposing surface engages therewith.