Printer Ink Container Channel Positioning for Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing apparatuses face liquid leakage issues when installed in postures different from their intended use due to changes in head position, particularly during transportation or storage, as existing solutions like flexible films on the outer walls are prone to damage and leakage through window openings.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus incorporates a liquid storing container with a storage chamber and outlet portion, where the channel connecting the storage chamber and outlet is strategically positioned on the side opposite to the print region, ensuring the channel remains above the liquid surface even when the apparatus is tilted, thus preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the channel is formed on the outer wall side of the printing apparatus to facilitate manufacturing and visual recognition, then the ease of manufacture and user visibility are improved, but the film is prone to damage from foreign substances and manufacturing processes, leading to liquid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by forming the channel on the inner wall side opposite to the print region instead of on the outer wall side. This inversion protects the channel and film from damage while maintaining liquid supply functionality, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the flexible film is placed on the outer wall side to allow visual recognition of ink level, then user visibility is improved, but the film is exposed to foreign substances that can damage it and cause leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the film positioning by placing it on the inner wall side opposite to the print region, shielding it from foreign substances while maintaining transparency for user visibility. This resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and protection from harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent housing acts as an intermediary, allowing users to visually recognize the ink level through the housing wall without exposing the film to foreign substances. The channel on the opposite inner wall side serves as the mediator that maintains liquid supply while protecting the film.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the printing apparatus is installed in different postures during transportation, then adaptability is improved, but the liquid storing container may be located above the printhead causing liquid leakage by gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by forming the channel on a specific inner wall side opposite to the print region. This localized channel positioning ensures that the liquid supply path remains protected and functional regardless of the apparatus's installation posture, preventing gravity-induced leakage while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
By inverting the channel position to the opposite inner wall side rather than the outer wall side, the patent creates a configuration that prevents liquid leakage in various postures while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively suppresses liquid leakage across various postures and reduces the risk of damage to sealing members, maintaining ink containment and extending the ink storage capacity without compromising visibility of the remaining ink level.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid does not leak from the printhead due to a head difference caused by the arrangement of the liquid storing container and the printhead
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a liquid storing container including a storage chamber configured to store a liquid supplied to a printing unit that prints an image by discharging the liquid, an outlet portion of the liquid, and a channel configured to connect the storage chamber and the outlet portion. The liquid storing container includes a first side portion on a side of a print region where printing is executed by the printing unit, and a second side portion on an opposite side of the first side portion, and the channel is formed in the second side portion.