Printer Cartridge Carrier Locking and Ejection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer devices face challenges in safely and efficiently replacing ink cartridges, particularly in small designs where manual operation can lead to contamination and damage to the print head due to limited space and complex mechanisms, and there is a need to prevent accidental deep insertion or ejection of the ink cartridge.
Innovation Solution
A printer device with a cartridge carrier that includes a locking and ejection mechanism featuring a two-stage spring system and a lifting plate, which ensures the ink cartridge can only be exchanged when the carrier is in a predetermined position, preventing manual errors and ensuring the print head is not damaged, while allowing for easy removal and insertion without direct manual contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components is used to secure the ink cartridge, then the reliability of cartridge retention is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides both the locking action through engagement with the locking lug and the ejection function through connection to the ejection spring. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliable cartridge retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever serves multiple purposes: it locks the cartridge in place during printing, enables ejection when actuated, and provides mechanical advantage for the ejection spring. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall mechanism while improving reliability through a more integrated design.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation of the ink cartridge replacement is allowed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of contamination and damage to the print head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic ejection of the ink cartridge through the spring-loaded mechanism that propels the cartridge outward when the locking lever is actuated. This self-service ejection function reduces manual handling and the associated risk of contamination or damage to the print head area.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever acts as an intermediary between the user's simple actuating action and the complex ejection process. By pressing the locking lever, the user indirectly triggers the spring mechanism to eject the cartridge, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation of the cartridge itself and reducing contamination risk.
3Ease of operation
If the ink cartridge can be easily ejected with minimal force, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental ejection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states through a deliberate actuating action on the locking lever. The dynamic nature of this mechanism ensures that ejection only occurs when the user intentionally actuates the lever, preventing accidental ejection while still enabling easy removal when desired.
Solution Approach 2:
The locked state of the cartridge creates a preliminary condition that prevents unintended ejection. The locking lever must be deliberately actuated to overcome this preliminary anti-action, ensuring that ejection is intentional. Once unlocked, the ejection spring provides the force for easy removal.
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 allows for safe and efficient ink cartridge replacement by ensuring the cartridge can only be exchanged in a predetermined position, preventing contamination and damage to the print head, and supports the ink cartridge's ejection and insertion with a controlled spring force that prevents accidental ejection or deep insertion.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism has a locking lever (61211) which can be tilted about an axis of rotation (612110) and which is acted upon by a first spring (61212) with a spring force
Implementation Method 2
The ejection mechanism has a lifting plate (61223) which is subjected to a spring force by at least one second spring (61221, 61222) and which is arranged on an outside of a side part (61, 62) of the cartridge carrier (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A printing device, comprising a cartridge carrier (6) and a locking and ejection mechanism, wherein the cartridge carrier (6) has a cavity (60) for inserting an ink cartridge, has the locking and ejection mechanism (612) arranged on an outer side of a side part of a cartridge carrier (6). This mechanism includes a locking mechanism (6121) with a locking lever (61211) acted upon by a first spring and which is tiltable about a pivot axis (612110), the pivot axis (612110) being located on the outer side of the side part. The locking and ejection mechanism (612) also includes an ejection mechanism (6122) with a lifting plate (61223) acted upon by at least a second spring with a spring force, which is arranged rotatably about a pivot axis (612230) on the outside of the side part, wherein the pivot axis (612230) of the lifting plate is arranged standing on the outside of the side part.The locking lever (61211) comprises a first locking means and a second locking means for locking the first locking means and an actuating means for unlocking the locking of the second locking means, wherein the lifting plate (61223) is rotatably arranged so that the locking lever (61211) is held in the unlocked position after an ink cartridge has been ejected.