Inkjet Printer Flexible Tube for Easy Ink Refilling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, face challenges in easily replenishing ink in the liquid storage section due to limited arrangement options, as the ink tank is typically positioned in a way that makes filling difficult for users.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus design featuring a movable liquid supply tube with a deformation section and a filling port located on the case, allowing for easy liquid replenishment regardless of the liquid storage section's arrangement, with a buffer section to prevent overflow and a sub-tank for visual liquid level indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ink tank is positioned to allow easy filling from a filling port, then user accessibility is improved, but the arrangement flexibility of the liquid storage section is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply system is divided into separate components: a filling port fixed in the case, a flexible liquid supply tube, and a liquid storage section that can be positioned anywhere. This segmentation allows the filling port to remain in a user-accessible location while the liquid storage section can be arranged flexibly within the case.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid supply tube is designed with a deformation movable section that can change its shape and configuration to accommodate different positions of the liquid storage section. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain connectivity between the fixed filling port and the movable liquid storage section regardless of their relative positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the liquid storage section is positioned far from the filling port, then arrangement flexibility is improved, but liquid supply efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply tube incorporates a deformation movable section with flexible material that can bend and deform to connect the filling port and liquid storage section over extended distances. This flexibility maintains efficient liquid supply while accommodating large separations between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable section of the liquid supply tube can dynamically adjust its configuration based on the relative positions of the filling port and liquid storage section, ensuring optimal liquid flow paths while maintaining arrangement flexibility.
3Reliability
If the liquid supply tube is made rigid for stable connection, then connection reliability is improved, but arrangement flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply tube uses a flexible material that provides both stable liquid transmission and the ability to deform for different arrangements. The flexible construction maintains connection reliability while accommodating various positions of the liquid storage section.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable section of the liquid supply tube provides dynamic adaptability to different configurations while maintaining a sealed, reliable connection for liquid supply. The flexible material ensures both connection stability and arrangement flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet type printer including: a printing function section, a liquid ejecting head that is supported on a carriage movably disposed in the printing function section and performs recording by ejecting ink with respect to a paper sheet, and an ink supply tube that guides the ink of a main tank in which the ink is stored to the liquid ejecting head and has a deformation movable section capable of being deformed following movement of the carriage. The printing function section is provided with a filling port for filling the ink and the filling port and the main tank are connected through a connection pipe, a sub-tank, and an ink communication pipe.