Liquid Container Retaining Unit Electrode Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid container retaining units in liquid ejecting apparatuses face issues with reliable electrical connection between first electrodes on the liquid container and second electrodes on the container retaining element due to deformation caused by the urging force, leading to misalignment and failure in data storage.
Innovation Solution
A liquid container retaining unit with a first urging member that generates a force to restrict the liquid container's movement in the removal direction and a second urging member that ensures the second electrodes abut against the first electrodes, maintaining electrical connection reliability despite deformation of the container retaining element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single urging member is used to mount the liquid container, then the container is fixed in the retaining element, but the container retaining element deforms and the electrodes become misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The single urging member is divided into two separate urging members: a first urging member that generates an urging force in the removal direction to fix the container, and a second urging member that generates an urging force to press the second electrodes against the first electrodes. This segmentation allows each member to perform its specific function independently, preventing deformation-induced misalignment while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The second urging member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the container retaining element and the electrodes. It specifically compensates for any deformation of the container retaining element by applying an additional pressing force to the second electrodes, ensuring they maintain proper alignment and electrical connection with the first electrodes even when the retaining element deforms under the first urging member's force.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the container is urged in one direction by a single urging member, then the container is retained in the retaining element, but the first electrodes and second electrodes cannot be electrically connected
Solution Approach 1:
The urging function is segmented into two independent components: the first urging member handles container retention by generating removal-direction force, while the second urging member handles electrode connection by generating pressing force on the electrodes. This segmentation ensures that container retention and electrode alignment are achieved through separate mechanisms, eliminating the conflict between these two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the retaining unit are given different local qualities and functions: the first urging member is optimized for generating removal-direction force to secure the container, while the second urging member is optimized for generating electrode-pressing force. This local differentiation ensures that each component performs its specific function effectively without interfering with the other.
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 enhances the reliability of electrical connections between the first and second electrodes, ensuring consistent and accurate data transfer even when the container retaining element deforms, thereby improving the overall performance of the liquid ejecting apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member (lever) which elastically deforms. Then, with the urging force (elastic force) of the urging member which elastically deforms with the insertion of the liquid container into the container retaining element
Implementation Method 2
a second urging member for generating, when the liquid container is retained within the container retaining element in the restricted state, an urging force to urge the second electrodes so as to cause the first electrodes on the liquid container and the second electrodes on the container retaining element to abut against each other
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid container retaining unit includes: a first urging member for generating, in relation to the insertion of a liquid container into the container retaining element, an urging force to urge the liquid container in a removal direction; a container retaining mechanism for releasing the liquid container from a restricted state by moving the liquid container retained in the restricted state in the insertion direction so that the urging force of the first urging member is capable of moving the liquid container in the removal direction; a second urging member for generating, when the liquid container is retained within the container retaining element in the restricted state, an urging force to urge so as to cause the first electrodes on the liquid container and the second electrodes on the container retaining element to abut against each other.