Paper-Resin Ink Container with External Viewing Window

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Plastic ink containers face environmental concerns and ink-induced deterioration at adhesive parts when transparent windows are used, while paper containers lack visibility for ink content.

Innovation Solution

A container structure with a resin layer inside and a paper layer outside, featuring a cut-out window covered by a transmittance reducing film, prevents ink-induced deterioration and external light degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a film is adhered to the cut-out window portion from the inside of the container using adhesive, then a transparent window portion can be provided to allow viewing of the content, but the adhesive part may be deteriorated by ink causing the film to peel or become damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewability of ink contentVSAvoidadhesive durability against ink

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adhering the film from the inside of the container where adhesive contacts ink, the film is adhered from the outside of the container. This inversion of the adhesion direction prevents ink contact with the adhesive, eliminating the deterioration problem while still providing a transparent window for viewing ink content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The container wall structure serves as an intermediary medium between the ink and the adhesive. By positioning the adhesive on the outer surface of the container wall rather than the inner surface, the container wall acts as a barrier that prevents direct contact between ink and adhesive, thereby protecting the adhesive from deterioration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If plastic is used for the container, then the container can provide sufficient barrier properties and structural integrity, but plastic containers have high recycling costs and significant environmental impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier properties and structural integrityVSAvoidenvironmental impact and recycling cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container employs a composite structure combining paper (outer layer) and resin (inner layer). The paper outer layer reduces environmental impact and improves recyclability, while the resin inner layer provides the necessary barrier properties against ink and structural integrity. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between environmental friendliness and functional performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20250326231A1container

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 CANON KK

AI summary

A container is used, which includes a storage portion configured to store liquid ink and a supply portion configured to supply the stored ink to a recording device, the storage portion has a layer structure having a resin layer that is an inner layer and a paper layer that is a layer facing the outside of the container, the paper layer is provided with an opening, and the ink stored in the storage portion can be visually recognized from the outside of the container through the opening. The resin layer has a greater thickness in a region corresponding to the opening than in other regions. This feature allows the transition from plastic containers to paper containers to be promoted.