Low Insertion Force Fluid Coupling for Printhead Cartridges

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Solution Overview

Problem

High ink supply flow rates in pagewidth printheads require complex ink distribution and large coupling conduits, leading to high engagement forces and potential structural stress during installation and removal of printhead cartridges, which is undesirable for user convenience and printer integrity.

Innovation Solution

A fluid coupling system using a first conduit and a second conduit with a seal seat and compression member, where an annular seal is compressed by an engagement mechanism to form a sealed connection, reducing the force required for coupling and incorporating mechanical advantage or power assistance to minimize structural stress on the cartridge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If large conduit sizes are used for fluid coupling to meet high ink supply flow rates, then the ink distribution capability is improved, but the engagement force required during installation increases and structural stress on cartridges worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink supply flow rateVSAvoidengagement force

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical insertion force-based fluid coupling with a compression-based sealing mechanism. Instead of pushing conduits together using insertion force, the system uses a compression member that compresses an annular seal to create the fluid connection. This substitution eliminates the need for high engagement forces while maintaining adequate ink supply flow rates through properly sized conduits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the sealing mechanism from force-based insertion to compression-based sealing. By using a compression member that can be actuated independently of the conduit insertion force, the system decouples the sealing action from the mechanical engagement force, allowing large conduits to be connected without requiring high installation forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If large conduit sizes are used for fluid coupling to meet high ink supply flow rates, then the ink distribution capability is improved, but the structural stress on cartridges during installation and removal worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink supply flow rateVSAvoidstructural stress on cartridge

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical insertion force-based fluid coupling with a compression-based sealing mechanism. Instead of pushing conduits together using insertion force, the system uses a compression member that compresses an annular seal to create the fluid connection. This substitution eliminates the need for high engagement forces while maintaining adequate ink supply flow rates through properly sized conduits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If complex ink distribution is implemented for pagewidth printheads, then the print speed and quality are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint speedVSAvoidink distribution complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the ink distribution system into separate conduits for different ink colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). Each conduit is independently connected to the printhead, allowing for simplified individual conduit design while maintaining the overall complex ink distribution capability needed for high-speed color printing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system reduces the force needed for establishing a sealed fluid connection, allowing for easy and stress-free installation and removal of printhead cartridges, aligning with modern market expectations for simplicity and user convenience while maintaining print quality.

Implementation Method 1

the compression member moves toward the seal seat to compress the annular seal to form a sealed fluid connection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The fluid seal is provided by a resilient element that is deformed during engagement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7862162B2Low insertion force fluid coupling

Publication Date: 2011.01.04 MEMJET TECH LTD

AI summary

A fluid coupling for establishing a sealed connection between a first conduit and a second conduit that has a seal seat and a compression member. The compression member is movable relative to the seal seat in which an annular seal is positioned. An engagement mechanism moves the second conduit from a disengaged position where there is no sealed fluid connection between the first and second conduits, to an engaged position where the compression member moves toward the seal seat to compress the annular seal to form a sealed fluid connection.