Liquid Supply Apparatus Stopper Mechanism Prevents Cartridge Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid supply apparatuses for image recording devices face issues with ink cartridges jumping out of the installing section due to fatigue of elastically deformable hook pawls, leading to ineffective prevention of ink cartridge ejection and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supply apparatus with a liquid container and installing section design featuring a guide section, stoppers, and a holding member that attenuates the velocity of the liquid container's movement, using protrusions and stoppers offset in the removal direction to prevent the liquid container from jumping out, ensuring repeated use without the need for replacing the installing section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastically deformable hook pawl is used to prevent the ink cartridge from jumping out, then the ink cartridge is prevented from jumping out of the installing section, but the hook pawl may become fatigued and fractured after repeated use, rendering the prevention function ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the prevention function into multiple components: a holding member that actively holds the ink cartridge, and multiple stoppers (first stopper and second stopper) that provide sequential blocking. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress and prevents fatigue accumulation in any single component, resolving the contradiction between reliability and service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The first stopper is positioned to engage with the ink cartridge before the holding member fully secures it. This preliminary blocking action prevents the ink cartridge from jumping out during the transition phase, providing an additional safety mechanism that complements the holding member and extends the overall system reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the ink cartridge is moved with great force toward the opening, then the ink cartridge can be easily removed from the installing section, but the ink cartridge may jump out of the installing section and cause ink splashing or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The second stopper is positioned to engage with the ink cartridge after the holding member releases it, providing a cushioning effect that absorbs excess kinetic energy. This prevents the ink cartridge from jumping out with great force while still allowing easy removal, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The stoppers act as intermediary elements between the holding member and the ink cartridge. They mediate the movement by providing controlled blocking points that prevent harmful jumping while allowing smooth removal, thus protecting against ink splashing and damage without compromising ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If a simple lock structure is used to hold the ink cartridge, then the installing section has simple structure, but the ink cartridge may jump out when moved with great force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the holding function into a dedicated holding member and adds separate stopper elements. This segmentation provides enhanced protection against ejection while maintaining relative simplicity, as each component performs a specific function without requiring complex integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The stoppers extend in a direction perpendicular to the removal direction, adding a lateral blocking dimension. This dimensional approach prevents the ink cartridge from jumping out horizontally while the holding member manages vertical retention, providing comprehensive protection without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
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 design effectively reduces the likelihood of the liquid container jumping out of the installing section, ensuring secure retention and preventing ink splashing or cartridge damage, while allowing for easy removal and installation, thus enhancing the durability and usability of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member configured to urge the liquid container installed in the installing section toward the opening
Implementation Method 2
at least one protrusion provided on or adjacent to the guide objective section and configured to abut against the at least one stopper, such that the liquid container moves in the direction perpendicular to the removal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid supply apparatus configured to supply a liquid, including: a liquid container to store the liquid; an installing section which is formed with an opening and to which the liquid container is installable; and an urging member which urges the liquid container installed to the installing section toward the opening, and the installing section comprises a guide section extending from the opening in an insertion direction of the liquid container from the opening, a stopper which protrudes from the guide section in a direction perpendicular to an removal direction of the liquid container from the installing section; the liquid container comprises an guide objective section guided by the guide section, and a protrusion formed on the guide objective section and which abuts against the stopper to move the liquid container in the direction perpendicular to the removal direction when the liquid container is moved in the removal direction.