Movable Protective Flap for Ink Cartridge IC Board
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing apparatuses expose the IC board of ink cartridges to damage or contamination due to external contact, as it is not adequately protected during attachment and detachment.
Innovation Solution
A liquid cartridge design with a movable member that moves between two positions, protecting the IC board during insertion and ensuring electrical connection, and includes a detection portion for external detection, integrated with a printer's cartridge mounting portion featuring a contact, sensor, and abutment portion to maintain the movable member's position and facilitate electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the IC board is exposed on the upper surface of the cartridge for electrical connection, then electrical connection is facilitated, but the IC board becomes susceptible to damage or contamination from external contact
Solution Approach 1:
A movable member (protective flap) is introduced as an intermediary element between the external environment and the IC board. This flap can be positioned to either expose or cover the IC board, mediating between the need for electrical connection and the need for protection. The flap acts as a temporary shield that can be moved out of the way during connection and returned to protect the IC board during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective flap is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between a protective state (covering the IC board) and an operational state (moved to allow electrical connection). This dynamic characteristic enables the system to adapt between protection and functionality as needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a movable protective member is added to protect the IC board, then protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member is implemented as a thin, flexible flap that can be made from lightweight materials such as plastic or metal foil. This thin-film approach provides effective protection while minimizing the addition of bulk, weight, and structural complexity. The flap can be integrated into the cartridge housing as a thin protective layer that moves easily and requires minimal supporting structure.
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 solution effectively protects the IC board from damage and contamination while ensuring reliable electrical connection and detection, enhancing the operational safety and efficiency of ink cartridge attachment and ink supply in inkjet printing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The movable member is movable between a first position and a second position, the second position being located upstream in the insertion direction relative to the first position
Implementation Method 2
The sensor includes a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion positioned opposite to each other in the widthwise direction. The detection portion of the liquid cartridge attached to the case is configured to be interposed between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion in the widthwise direction
Data Source
AI summary
The liquid cartridge includes: a front surface facing in an insertion direction intersecting a gravitational direction; a rear surface spaced apart from the front surface in the insertion direction; an upper surface facing upward; a liquid supply portion disposed at the front surface; an electrical interface disposed at the upper surface; and a movable member including a detection portion. The movable member is movable between a first position and a second position. The movable member at the second position is positioned upstream in the insertion direction relative to the electrical interface. The movable member at the first position has a portion whose widthwise position is coincident with the electrical interface in a widthwise direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and the gravitational direction. The portion of the movable member at the first position is located downstream in the insertion direction or upward relative to the electrical interface.