Liquid Container Supply Unit with Uncoupling Speed Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge devices face issues with ink cartridges suddenly uncoupling from the ink receiving tube, leading to ink dripping due to the force applied by discharging springs.
Innovation Solution
A supply unit with a pressing member that applies a pressing force in the uncoupling direction, an engaging portion to secure the liquid container, and a speed reduction portion to slow down the uncoupling motion, reducing the speed of the liquid container's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the discharging spring applies force to the ink cartridge in the removing direction, then the ink cartridge can be easily removed from the mounting portion, but the ink cartridge may be suddenly uncoupled from the ink receiving tube causing ink to drip
Solution Approach 1:
A speed reduction portion is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the discharging spring and the ink cartridge. This speed reduction portion includes a pressing member that applies pressing force to the ink cartridge, and a speed reduction mechanism that reduces the moving speed of the ink cartridge when it moves in the removing direction, thereby preventing sudden uncoupling and ink dripping while still allowing easy removal
Solution Approach 2:
The speed reduction portion provides beforehand cushioning by applying pressing force through the pressing member and reducing the moving speed of the ink cartridge before it can be suddenly uncoupled. This cushioning effect prevents the harmful outcome of ink dripping by controlling the separation speed between the ink cartridge and ink receiving tube
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 effectively reduces ink dripping during uncoupling by slowing down the liquid container's movement, enhancing design flexibility and preventing ink loss.
Implementation Method 1
a speed reduction portion configured to reduce, when engagement of the engaging portion with the liquid container is released, a moving speed of the liquid container moving in the uncoupling direction
Implementation Method 2
a pressing member configured to press the liquid container in an uncoupling direction being a direction opposite to a coupling direction
Data Source
AI summary
A supply unit in which a liquid container including a coupling portion is detachably mounted includes a liquid introducing portion to which the coupling portion of the liquid container is coupled, a pressing member configured to press the liquid container in an uncoupling direction, which is a direction opposite to a coupling direction, when a direction in which the liquid container is coupled to the liquid introducing portion is defined as the coupling direction, an engaging portion configured to engage with the liquid container when the liquid container is coupled to the liquid introducing portion, and a speed reduction portion configured to reduce, when engagement of the engaging portion with the liquid container is released, a moving speed of the liquid container moving in the uncoupling direction.