Inkjet Printer Cartridge Mounting Guide and Cover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face difficulties in smoothly inserting ink cartridges due to the pre-set size of the front surface opening, leading to potential cartridge damage or misalignment during insertion.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus incorporates a guiding portion with an inclined surface on the mounting portion to guide the container smoothly into the opening, along with a false mount-inhibiting mechanism to prevent incorrect mounting, and an opening/closing cover that pivots to reduce space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the front surface opening of the housing case body is made with a pre-set size that just allows insertion of an ink cartridge, then the housing structure is compact and space-efficient, but the ink cartridge may catch on the open lid or knock on the wall during insertion, causing damage or misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a guiding portion with an inclined surface before the ink cartridge enters the housing case body. This guiding portion pre-aligns the ink cartridge insertion path, ensuring smooth entry without catching on the lid or knocking on walls. The inclined surface prepares the cartridge for proper positioning before it reaches the tight-fitting opening, resolving the contradiction between compact housing size and smooth insertion operation
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding portion acts as an intermediary element between the ink cartridge and the housing case body opening. This intermediate structure with its inclined surface facilitates the transition of the ink cartridge from external placement to internal mounting, preventing direct contact with potential obstruction points like the lid or housing walls, thus enabling smooth insertion while maintaining compact dimensions
2Reliability
If the opening of the mounting portion is made small to secure the print-related member, then the mounting structure is compact, but the container may collide with surrounding structures during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding portion with inclined surface performs preliminary alignment of the container before it reaches the small opening of the mounting portion. This pre-positioning action ensures the container follows the correct insertion path, preventing collision with surrounding structures while still allowing secure mounting through the constrained opening
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding portion serves as an intermediary that mediates between the container and the small opening of the mounting portion. It facilitates safe passage through the constrained space by providing a controlled entry path, preventing harmful collisions while maintaining the security benefits of the small opening design
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet type printer includes a liquid discharge head that prints on a sheet, a container that houses ink, and a mounting portion which has an insertion opening and to which the container inserted through the insertion opening is detachably mounted. The mounting portion includes a mounting portion-side rib that, when the container is to be inserted through the insertion opening, guides the container to the insertion opening.