Printer Ink Connector with Universal Joint for Variable Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers face increased operation costs and ink wastage due to the inability to select the ink tank and cartridge based on usage amount, leading to frequent cartridge replacements and potential ink disposal issues.
Innovation Solution
A printer configuration that allows for the connection of either a smaller liquid storage cartridge or a larger main tank to the ink head, with a joint component and sensors to manage ink supply and detect remaining amounts, enabling selection based on usage and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a cartridge with liquid storage bag is used, then the printer can operate with smaller ink storage capacity, but the frequency of cartridge replacement increases leading to higher operation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to universally accept both cartridges with liquid storage bags and tanks without liquid storage bags, allowing the same printer to function with different ink storage configurations. This multi-functionality enables users to select between small-capacity cartridges and large-capacity tanks based on their usage needs, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and replacement frequency
2Productivity
If a tank with large ink storage capacity is used, then operation costs decrease, but ink wastage increases when ink is not used up within consumption time limit
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to user needs by allowing selection between different ink storage configurations (cartridge with liquid storage bag versus tank without liquid storage bag). This dynamic flexibility enables users to choose small-capacity cartridges for low-volume usage to avoid ink wastage, while selecting large-capacity tanks for high-volume usage to reduce operation costs, thereby resolving the contradiction between operation costs and ink wastage
3Device complexity
If the printer cannot select between tank and cartridge based on usage amount, then device simplicity is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with universal compatibility to accept both cartridges with liquid storage bags and tanks without liquid storage bags. This multi-functional design maintains device simplicity while enabling users to select the appropriate ink storage type based on their usage requirements, thereby improving user convenience without significantly increasing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a head and a connector. The head is configured to eject ink. The connector is configured to connect a first storage to the head, and configured to connect a second storage to the head via a joint component. The first storage stores the ink. The second storage stores a greater amount of the ink than the first storage.