Printer Cartridge Lock Mechanism for Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cartridge fixing structures in printers are complex, making it difficult for users to ensure proper attachment and maintenance, as they often require hidden fixing mechanisms and can lead to inclined installations, which complicate access and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design where the liquid supply port and electrical connector are positioned to protrude from the front face, allowing easy alignment with printer components, and a lock mechanism on the rear face accessible by the user to secure the cartridge, reducing the need for external biasing forces and simplifying attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex fixing structure is used to secure the cartridge, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and user accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure is divided into two functional parts: a biasing member (spring) that provides continuous pushing force, and a ratchet member that provides one-way locking. This segmentation allows each component to be simple while collectively achieving reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet member automatically engages with the ratchet groove when the cartridge is inserted, providing automatic locking without requiring user intervention. The spring continuously maintains the pushing force, creating a self-sustaining fixing mechanism.
2Reliability
If the fixing structure is positioned to ensure secure attachment, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inaccessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The operation portion is extended outward from the cartridge body in a direction perpendicular to the attachment interface, allowing user access from the front without interfering with the rearward fixing mechanism. This spatial separation resolves the conflict between secure attachment and user accessibility.
3Reliability
If the cartridge is firmly fixed to maintain connection state, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to difficulty in accessing fixing structures
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into an internal biasing member for continuous force application and an external ratchet member with an operation portion for user access. This allows the internal components to remain firmly engaged while the external interface remains accessible for maintenance.
4Ease of operation
If a biasing member is used to push the cartridge outward, then the ease of detachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member and ratchet member are combined into a single integrated fixing mechanism where the spring's pushing force and the ratchet's locking function work together. This merging achieves both secure attachment and easy detachment without requiring separate complex systems.
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
This design ensures a secure electrical connection, easy attachment and detachment, and reduces the risk of accidental contact with printer components, improving user experience and maintenance accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a device-side electrical connector including a terminal portion that is biased in the −Y direction
Implementation Method 2
a lock mechanism that is provided in the rear face, and restricts movement of the cartridge in the attached state in the −Y direction relative to the printer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is technology for improving a mechanism for attaching a cartridge to a printer. A cartridge includes a main body that includes a front face, a rear face that opposes the front face, a lower face, an upper face that opposes the lower face, and two side faces, a liquid container that is provided inside the main body, and contains liquid, a liquid supply port that is provided in the front face, and is connected to a liquid introduction portion of a printer so as to supply the liquid contained in the liquid container, a cartridge-side electrical connector that is provided in the front face, and is to be connected to a device-side electrical connector of the printer while receiving a biasing force from a terminal portion, and a lock mechanism that is provided in the rear face, and restricts movement of the cartridge in an attached state.