Multi-Color Ink Tank Universal Interface Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing systems require multiple configurations of carrier support structures and ink tanks for different color ink setups, leading to increased costs and complexity, as they are not compatible with either individual color ink tanks or multi-color ink tanks, making it difficult for users to interchange them.
Innovation Solution
A multi-color ink tank design with specific elements such as protuberances, tabs, and a recessed region that allows it to fit into slots meant for individual color ink tanks, while also identifying the correct latch for easy removal and replacement, enabling compatibility with existing support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple configurations of carrier support structures and ink tanks are used for different color ink setups, then compatibility with individual color ink tanks is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-color ink tank is designed with a universal interface that allows it to function in both multi-color and individual color configurations. The tank body includes engagement features that work with standard carrier support structure slots, enabling a single tank design to replace multiple specialized configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-color ink tank is divided into multiple separate compartments, each containing a different color ink. This segmentation allows the tank to function as multiple individual color tanks while maintaining a single unified structure that interfaces with the carrier support structure in the same way individual tanks would.
2Ease of operation
If color-coded latches are used for each ink tank slot, then ease of operation for individual tanks is improved, but difficulty in identifying the correct latch for multi-color tank increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-color ink tank incorporates color-coded indicators that correspond to the color-coded latches on the carrier support structure. These visual indicators make it immediately apparent which latch should be actuated to remove or install the multi-color tank, eliminating confusion that would otherwise arise from having multiple color-coded latches.
3Reliability
If ribs or partitions are added to carrier support structure to separate slots, then prevention of cross-contamination is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-color ink tank internally segments different color inks into separate compartments, eliminating the need for external ribs or partitions in the carrier support structure. Each compartment is sealed to prevent cross-contamination, allowing the support structure to remain simpler without internal dividers.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-color ink tank is adapted to replace individual different color ink tanks in a cavity of a given support structure. Elements on the body of the multi-color ink tank have configurations enabling compatibility with the support structure. The elements include empty opposite side portions of the body defining laterally spaced apart bottom openings that adapt the opposite side portions to seat in spaced slots in the cavity over keys therein and an intermediate central recessed region defined between the opposite side portions that adapts the body to straddle an intermediate slot between the spaced slots and a key therein and also straddle partitions in the cavity forming the slots. The elements also include tabs blocking some latches used to releasably lock some individual ink tanks to thereby identify the latch to be used to releasably lock the multi-color ink tank.