Printer Ink Supply Control for Damage-Free Automatic Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer ink refilling technologies pose a risk of damage to recording agent containers due to improper handling and result in premature expiration, leading to environmental burden from discarded containers.
Innovation Solution
A supply system with an ink supply apparatus that includes multiple ink storage units, discharging units, an information reading unit, and a control unit to ensure appropriate ink is supplied to printers based on their specifications, eliminating the need to detach and handle containers manually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If recording agent containers are detached from printers and handled manually at ink refill stations, then refilling can be performed, but the containers are at high risk of damage and premature expiration
Solution Approach 1:
The printer system performs self-refilling by automatically detecting ink levels and initiating the refilling process without user intervention. The system uses its own resources (ink storage units) to refill itself, eliminating the need for manual handling and transport of containers to external refill stations, thus preventing damage while maintaining refilling functionality
Solution Approach 2:
An automatic refilling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the ink storage unit and the recording agent container. This intermediary system includes detection means, control means, and refilling means that automatically transfer ink without requiring manual removal or handling of the container, thereby protecting the container from damage during the refilling process
2Ease of operation
If containers are manually handled and transported to ink refill stations, then refilling is possible, but the containers may be accidentally dropped from height
Solution Approach 1:
The printer performs self-refilling operations internally without requiring the container to be removed from the printer or transported to external locations. The automatic detection and refilling mechanisms operate within the printer system, eliminating the harmful factor of accidental dropping during manual transport
Solution Approach 2:
The refilling function is extracted from the manual operation process and integrated into the printer's automatic operation system. The refilling means and detection means are incorporated within the printer, allowing the system to refill itself without external manual intervention that could lead to dropping or damage
3Productivity
If recording agent containers are collected and discarded after use, then refilling can be performed, but environmental burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding used recording agent containers, the system recovers and reuses them by performing automatic refilling. The detection means identifies when refilling is needed, and the refilling means restores the container without requiring it to be removed or discarded, thereby reducing environmental waste while maintaining continuous productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic refilling system enables continuous operation by maintaining the recording agent container throughout its service life. The detection and refilling cycles occur repeatedly without interrupting the printing process, ensuring continuous useful action while avoiding the need to discard containers after single use
Data Source
AI summary
A supply system, in which each of a plurality of printers holds ink specification information for specifying a kind of ink to be supplied to the printer, includes an ink supply apparatus. The ink supply apparatus includes a plurality of ink storage units storing different kinds of ink, a plurality of ink discharging units each of which is coupled to a corresponding one of the ink storage units and discharges, to the printer, the ink stored in the coupled ink storage unit, an information reading unit that reads the ink specification information held by the printer, and a control unit that controls an ink discharging unit of the ink discharging units and causes the ink discharging unit to discharge ink, the ink discharging unit being coupled to the ink storage unit storing the kind of ink specified by the ink specification information read by the information reading unit.