Liquid Supply Device Cover Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid supply devices for inkjet recording apparatuses face issues with accidental release of ink cartridges due to shock and vibration, and users may not recognize when cartridges are not fully mounted, leading to potential misalignment and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supply device with a mounting portion and cartridge configuration that includes a lock surface and recess system, where the cover's protrusion restricts movement of the cartridge and provides tactile feedback to ensure secure mounting and easy recognition of correct alignment, reducing accidental releases and enhancing user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ink container is removed from the container receiving station, the ink container needs to pivot from an attitude in which the latching features engage to an attitude in which the latching features do not engage, so that the ink container is moved toward the outside by the urging force of springs. Therefore, it is desirable that the ink container can pivot smoothly. On the other hand, if the ink container can easily pivot to the attitude in which the latching features do not engage, the ink container may accidentally be released from the locked state by shock and vibration when a user does not intend to remove the ink cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism employs dynamic engagement where the latching feature on the ink container pivots to engage with the corresponding latching feature on the receiving station. The engagement requires specific pivotal movement, creating a dynamic locking state that is secure during normal operation but can be deliberately disengaged through sufficient pivotal force, thus balancing ease of removal with prevention of accidental release.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
In the second known apparatus, when the cover cannot move to the close attitude, a user can recognize that the ink cartridge is not completely mounted to the receiving portion. Nevertheless, there is still a likelihood that the ink container may accidentally be released from the locked state when a user does not intend to remove the ink cartridge from the receiving portion
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides mechanical feedback through the cover's ability to move to a close attitude only when the ink cartridge is completely and correctly mounted. This feedback mechanism allows users to detect proper mounting status while simultaneously reinforcing the locked state, as the cover's closed position indicates that the latching features are properly engaged, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidental release.
3Reliability
If the ink container is completely mounted to the receiving portion, the latching features engage and lock the ink container. However, the existing mechanisms do not provide sufficient tactile or visual feedback to confirm correct mounting, leading to potential misalignment and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The cover mechanism serves as a feedback device that provides both tactile and visual confirmation of correct ink cartridge mounting. When the cartridge is properly inserted and the latching features engage, the cover can move to and remain in the close attitude, giving the user clear feedback that mounting is correct. This eliminates uncertainty and ensures reliable locking.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The liquid supply device includes a liquid cartridge and a mounting portion. The liquid cartridge is configured to pivot between a first attitude and a second attitude in the mounting portion, and the mounting portion includes a cover configured to pivot between an open attitude and a close attitude. When the liquid cartridge is in the first attitude and the cover is in the close attitude, a protrusion of the cover is positioned in a recess of the liquid cartridge and restricts movement of the liquid cartridge toward the second attitude. When the liquid cartridge is in the second attitude and the cover pivots from the open attitude toward the close attitude, the protrusion contacts the liquid cartridge during the pivotal moment of the cover from the open attitude toward the close attitude.