Liquid Container Protrusion Positioning for Mounting Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid containers for liquid consuming apparatuses, such as inkjet printers, face instability in mounting due to variations in manufacturing dimensions and warping, leading to inconsistent positioning and potential tilting during insertion into mounting portions.
Innovation Solution
A liquid container design with protrusion portions on opposing surfaces that intersect the insertion direction, providing multiple points of contact to stabilize the container during mounting, and a biased portion to prevent tilting, ensuring precise positioning and secure engagement with the mounting portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If projection portions are provided on only one side of the case member, then the structure is simple, but the mounting position becomes unstable due to warping and dimensional variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing projection portions on both the third surface and fourth surface (opposing surfaces) of the case member, rather than symmetrically on only one side. This asymmetric distribution of positioning elements compensates for warping and dimensional variations, ensuring stable mounting position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-sided positioning to multi-surface positioning by adding projection portions on opposing surfaces (third and fourth surfaces). This dimensional expansion from single-side to multi-surface contact with guiding ribs provides redundant positioning constraints that maintain stability despite manufacturing variations.
2Reliability
If multiple protrusion portions are provided on opposing surfaces, then the mounting position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function by providing separate projection portions on different surfaces (third surface and fourth surface). Each projection portion independently contacts the mounting portion, dividing the positioning task into multiple distributed contact points that collectively enhance stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection portions serve multiple functions: they determine the mounting position, prevent tilting during insertion, and ensure consistent electrical connection. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural elements by consolidating several requirements into a single positioning mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the liquid container is mounted without proper positioning, then the insertion is simple, but the liquid supply and electrical connection become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The projection portions perform preliminary positioning action during insertion, guiding the liquid container into the correct position before final engagement. This pre-positioning ensures that the liquid supply opening and electrical connection terminals are correctly aligned with their corresponding interfaces in the mounting portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid container that can be mounted to a mounting portion in a stable state is provided. An ink cartridge includes: a first surface that has formed therein a liquid supply opening through which the ink can flow from the ink chamber to the outside, and is on the side in the direction of insertion into the mounting portion; a second surface that opposes the first surface; a third surface that intersects the first surface and the second surface; a fourth surface that opposes the third surface; a fifth surface that intersects the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface; and a sixth surface that opposes the fifth surface. Protrusion portions are respectively provided on the fifth surface side and the sixth surface side of at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface, and the protrusion portions come into contact with the mounting portion.