Printer Holder Positioning via Protrusion Recess Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face issues with positional errors in the up-down direction of the holder relative to the ink tanks, leading to potential leaks and unstable ink supply due to improper closure of ink inlet pipes and variations in ink inlet pipe insertion depth.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus design that includes a holder positioned in the X direction relative to the liquid storage tank, with cap units to close and open the ink inlet pipes, and a configuration that ensures accurate positioning and fixation of the holder in the X, Y, and Z directions to prevent leaks and ensure stable ink supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the holder is positioned in the up-down direction relative to the housing, then the structure is simple, but the holder is susceptible to positional errors in the up-down direction relative to the ink tanks, leading to improper closure of ink inlet pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the positioning approach by introducing positioning protrusions that engage with positioning recesses in the ink tank bottom surface, adding a new dimensional constraint (horizontal positioning) to complement the vertical positioning, thereby eliminating positional errors in the up-down direction while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning protrusions and positioning recesses act as intermediary elements between the holder and ink tank, providing a reliable mechanical connection that ensures accurate positioning without requiring complex positioning mechanisms or high manufacturing precision
2Device complexity
If the ink supply container is brought into abutment with the bottom surface of the recess, then the structure is simple, but the amount of insertion of the ink inlet pipe varies due to manufacturing tolerance, changing the amount of ink flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a specific positioning function at the bottom surface of the holder where the positioning protrusions engage with the positioning recesses, ensuring consistent insertion depth and reliable ink flow while maintaining simplicity in the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the reliance on abutment contact with a positive mechanical engagement system (protrusions and recesses), eliminating the variability caused by manufacturing tolerances and ensuring stable, repeatable ink inlet pipe insertion depth
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technology that enables a tank for storing a liquid, such as an ink, to be stably supplied with the liquid. A printing apparatus includes: a printing unit that performs printing on a print medium by ejecting a printing agent to the print medium; a liquid storage tank that stores the printing agent to be supplied to the printing unit and is capable of being supplied with the printing agent through a pipe provided to the liquid storage tank so as to extend in a first direction; and a holder that includes a hole portion in which to insert the pipe and a cap which closes and opens the pipe inserted in the hole portion, and that is positioned in the first direction relative to the liquid storage tank and fixed to the first direction.