Liquid Storage Container With Elastic Sealing for Ink Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid storage containers for inkjet printers face issues such as ink leaks, complex spout configurations, and high material costs due to the use of plastic, which complicates standardization and is unsustainable.
Innovation Solution
A liquid storage container with a cylindrical flow path and an elastic portion that includes a communication hole, allowing for a simplified design and reduced plastic use by using a deformable elastic member to prevent leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex spout portion structure is used to securely connect to the apparatus main body, then ink leaks are prevented, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic member made of flexible material to form a sealing structure. The elastic member can be deformed during insertion and then returns to its original shape to create a reliable seal between the spout portion and the liquid storage container, preventing ink leaks without requiring a complex rigid structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the material by changing its physical state through deformation. The elastic member transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state that forms the sealing surface, leveraging parameter changes in material properties to achieve reliable sealing with simpler structure
2Reliability
If the spout portion shape is customized for each liquid discharge apparatus type, then incorrect insertion is prevented, but standardization becomes difficult and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal spout portion design where the elastic member can adapt to different liquid discharge apparatus types through elastic deformation. The same spout portion structure can be used across multiple apparatus types, and the elastic member naturally conforms to the specific opening shape of each apparatus, achieving both standardization and prevention of incorrect insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic sealing approach where the elastic member can change its shape and size to match different apparatus openings. This dynamic adaptability allows a single standardized spout portion design to work with multiple apparatus types while still preventing incorrect insertion through proper elastic engagement
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic materials are used for the spout portion, then manufacturing is easy, but sustainability and environmental impact are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to elastic material (such as rubber or silicone). This material substitution maintains ease of manufacture through conventional molding techniques while improving sustainability, as elastic materials can be more easily recycled and have better environmental credentials than conventional plastics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may utilize composite material structures where the spout portion combines different materials with complementary properties. The elastic member can be composed of composite materials that provide both the necessary mechanical properties for sealing and improved environmental characteristics, balancing manufacturability with sustainability
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 a simplified configuration that reduces plastic usage, lowers costs, and enhances sustainability while maintaining effective ink supply to the printer.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic portion which blocks the opening so that a liquid does not leak, the elastic portion including a communication hole configured to allow communication between inside and outside of the liquid storage portion and being configured to be elastically deformable so as to enlarge a cross-sectional area of the communication hole
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid storage container for storing a liquid to be supplied to a liquid discharge apparatus includes a cylindrical flow path-forming member in which a flow path is formed, the liquid storage container including: a liquid storage portion which stores a liquid inside and in which is formed an opening through which the liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge apparatus passes; and an elastic portion which blocks the opening so that a liquid does not leak, the elastic portion including a communication hole configured to allow communication between inside and outside of the liquid storage portion and being configured to be elastically deformable so as to enlarge a cross-sectional area of the communication hole. The communication hole is closed in a state before the flow path-forming member is inserted into the elastic portion.