Liquid Storage Unit Locking Mechanism Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid storage units for inkjet printers have design and robustness issues due to protruding locking mechanisms, which can lead to damage from external contact and compromise compactness and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid storage unit design where the locking mechanism's first and second insertion holes are positioned to be covered by the closed cover, using a rigid locking part with a smaller second insertion hole to reduce external contact risk and enhance durability, and incorporating a damper mechanism for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking mechanism includes protruding first and second insertion portions on the outside of the liquid container unit, then the locking function is achieved, but the designability and compactness of appearance are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The first insertion portion is formed inside the liquid container unit by defining it with the inner wall of the case body, rather than projecting outward. The second insertion portion is formed on the locking part which is positioned inside the liquid container unit. This nesting approach allows the locking mechanism components to be contained within the overall structure, eliminating external protrusions and improving appearance compactness while maintaining the locking function.
2Ease of operation
If the first and second insertion portions project on the outside of the liquid container unit, then the locking mechanism is accessible, but the robustness is reduced due to external contact damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
By forming the first insertion portion inside the liquid container unit and positioning the locking part with the second insertion portion inside the liquid container unit, the critical locking components are protected from external contact and potential damage. The padlock can still be accessed through the opening in the cover, maintaining ease of operation while the insertion portions themselves are shielded from external forces that could cause damage.
3Strength
If the second insertion hole is made smaller to reduce external contact risk, then the robustness is improved, but the locking member insertion may become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The second insertion hole is designed with locally optimized dimensions and shape that balance robustness and operability. The hole is made smaller and positioned strategically on the locking part to reduce external contact risk, while the locking part itself is designed with features that facilitate easy insertion and removal of the padlock. The local quality of the insertion hole design is optimized for its specific function of receiving the locking member while maintaining overall system robustness.
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid storage unit includes at least one liquid storage part that stores liquid to be supplied to a liquid ejection part ejecting the liquid and includes an injection port to which the liquid is injectable, a first opening/closing body that is openable so as to cover the injection port when the first opening/closing body is closed, and a locking part that locks the first opening/closing body and keeps the closed state of the first opening/closing body. The first opening/closing body includes a first insertion hole through which a locking member locking the closed first opening/closing body is insertable. The locking part is provided at a position facing the first insertion hole in an area covered by the closed first opening/closing body, and includes a second insertion hole through which the locking member is insertable.