Liquid Ejection Device with Below-Coupling Drip Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid may drip down from the coupling unit of a liquid ejection device when the mounting unit is removed, leading to potential contamination in the periphery of the device.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejection device with a reception unit positioned vertically below the coupling unit to receive any dripping liquid, and a retaining unit to maintain the coupling unit in a separation position, along with a lever mechanism to easily cancel coupling, ensuring smooth detachment and minimizing contamination risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the mounting unit is removed from the liquid ejection device, then the mounting unit can be replaced or maintained, but liquid may drip down from the coupling unit causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting unit replacementVSAvoidliquid contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of liquid dripping into a beneficial containment system. When the mounting unit is removed, liquid that would otherwise contaminate the periphery is guided by the reception unit positioned below the coupling unit, which collects and contains the dripping liquid, transforming a contamination risk into a controlled drainage system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The reception unit acts as an intermediary element between the coupling unit and the periphery. It intercepts liquid flowing from the coupling unit before it can reach surrounding areas, serving as a protective mediator that prevents direct contact between the liquid and the device periphery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the coupling unit is designed for easy detachment, then the mounting unit can be quickly removed, but liquid leakage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting unit exchange speedVSAvoidliquid containment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reception unit is pre-positioned below the coupling unit before the mounting unit is removed. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the coupling unit detaches and liquid begins to flow, the reception unit is already in place to intercept and contain it, preventing contamination while maintaining easy detachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250229555A1Liquid ejection device and liquid ejection system

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid ejection device is a liquid ejection device being coupled to a mounting unit on which a liquid accommodation body configured to accommodate a liquid is mounted, the liquid ejection device including an ejection unit configured to eject the liquid, a device flow path extending from the ejection unit, and a reception unit configured to receive the liquid, wherein the device flow path includes a coupling unit to be coupled to the mounting unit, and the reception unit is positioned vertically below the coupling unit.