Pivoting Supply Unit for Liquid Ejection Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses face difficulties in easily attaching and detaching liquid containers, especially when the mounting position is out of the operator's eye level or when the container is heavy, due to the need for manual alignment and handling.
Innovation Solution
A supply unit with a support member that pivots about a pivot shaft, allowing the liquid container to be horizontally inserted and then pivoted downward for coupling to the liquid inlet, facilitated by guiding units, pressing members, and a locking mechanism for secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the liquid container is mounted from above the liquid ejection apparatus, then the mounting structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates when the mounting position is out of eye level or the container is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting direction by providing a support member that extends in the horizontal direction, allowing the liquid container to be mounted from the front (horizontally) instead of from above (vertically). The support member includes a distal end and a proximal end, with the liquid container being attached to the distal end and the proximal end being pivotable about a pivot shaft. This inversion of the mounting approach enables easy operation at eye level while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic capability by making the proximal end of the support member pivotable about a pivot shaft. This allows the support member to rotate between a horizontal position (for easy front mounting) and a vertical position (for proper liquid flow into the liquid inlet). The dynamic pivoting mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling both ease of operation and functional correctness.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment is required for mounting the liquid container, then the mounting position can be precise, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through guiding units that automatically guide the liquid container into the correct mounting position. The guiding units include a guiding surface and a guiding groove that cooperate to align the container without requiring manual alignment operations. This self-aligning mechanism maintains precise mounting position while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of guiding units that mediate between the liquid container and the mounting position. These guiding units include guiding surfaces and grooves that facilitate automatic alignment, serving as an intermediary structure that eliminates the need for manual alignment while ensuring precise positioning.
3Area of stationary object
If the liquid container is positioned above eye level for mounting, then the mounting structure is compact, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult viewing and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the vertical mounting arrangement by providing horizontal extension of the support member. Instead of positioning the liquid container above the apparatus (vertical arrangement), the support member extends horizontally from the front, bringing the mounting position to eye level and improving operator accessibility while maintaining compact vertical footprint.
4Quantity of substance
If the liquid container is heavy, then the container can store sufficient liquid, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic pivoting capability at the proximal end of the support member, allowing the heavy liquid container to be easily attached and detached. The pivot shaft enables the support member to rotate, reducing the effort required to mount and dismount the heavy container while maintaining sufficient liquid storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies equipotentiality by positioning the liquid container at eye level on the horizontal support member, creating an ergonomically favorable working position. This eliminates the need to lift or lower heavy containers, making attachment and detachment easier while maintaining adequate liquid storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A supply unit configured to which a liquid container is detachably attached includes a support member that extends along a guiding route crossing a vertical line and that includes a distal region in which a starting end of the guiding route is positioned and a proximal region in which a termination end of the guiding route is positioned, a pivot shaft that is arranged in the proximal region and that has an axis crossing both the vertical line and guiding route, and a liquid inlet that is arranged below the support member and that is configured to be coupled to the liquid container.