Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Elastic Member Leakage Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses suffer from liquid leakage at the junction of the liquid outlet and inlet, leading to overflow and soiling of the outer surface of the liquid container, which can result in user contamination during cartridge exchange.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastic member within the urging mechanism that is in close contact with the liquid container below the liquid inlet portion, directing leaked liquid away from the container's surface and into a guiding channel, thereby preventing soiling and user exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an absorbing member is stored in the urging mechanism to absorb leaked liquid, then liquid leakage is contained, but when the amount of leaked liquid exceeds the absorbing capacity, the liquid overflows and flows along the outer surface of the liquid container causing soiling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guiding channel as an intermediary structure between the urging mechanism and the liquid container. This guiding channel receives leaked liquid from the urging mechanism and directs it away from the outer surface of the liquid container, preventing soiling while maintaining the absorbing member's containment function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension by forming a guiding channel that extends in the attaching direction (X-axis) from the urging mechanism. This three-dimensional structure allows leaked liquid to be channeled away from the container surface through a dedicated pathway, separating the containment function from the diversion function
2Stability of the object's composition
If the urging mechanism includes an elastic member to urge the liquid container, then the liquid container is securely attached, but liquid may leak from the coupling portion between the liquid outlet and liquid inlet portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of liquid leakage into a beneficial containment process by directing leaked liquid through the guiding channel to the absorbing member. The leakage that would normally cause soiling is transformed into a controlled flow that is absorbed and contained within the urging mechanism structure
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding channel acts as an intermediary pathway between the coupling portion where leakage occurs and the absorbing member. It intercepts leaked liquid before it can reach the outer container surface, mediating between the source of leakage and the containment system
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
Effectively contains and directs leaked liquid away from the container's surface, reducing soiling and user risk of contamination, while ensuring efficient liquid management and exchange processes.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that is in close contact with the liquid container attached to the attachment portion and that is provided below the liquid inlet portion in a direction of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid and an attachment portion to which a liquid container that stores the liquid supplied to the liquid ejecting head is detachably attached. The attachment portion includes a liquid inlet portion that is coupled to a liquid outlet provided in the liquid container, and an urging mechanism that urges the liquid container in a direction opposite to an attaching direction in which the liquid container is attached to the attachment portion. The urging mechanism includes an elastic member that is in close contact with the liquid container attached to the attachment portion and that is provided below the liquid inlet portion in a direction of gravity.