Printer Layout via Vertical Stacking and Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses are unable to downsize their footprint when viewed from a specific direction, as the main tank, sub tank, and recording head do not overlap the container, resulting in inefficient spatial arrangement.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed such that the main tank receiving portion, sub tank, and recording head project areas overlap the container area when viewed from a particular direction, allowing for a more compact layout by positioning these components to overlap each other and the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the main tank, sub tank, and recording head are positioned separately without overlapping the container, then each component can be independently accessed and maintained, but the overall apparatus area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional lateral arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement. The main tank, sub tank, and recording head are positioned at different vertical levels (height dimensions) while their projected areas overlap when viewed from above. This dimensional transition allows compact spatial arrangement while maintaining individual component accessibility through vertical separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested vertical structure where the main tank receiving portion is positioned at the lowest level, the sub tank is positioned above it, and the recording head is positioned at the highest level. This nested arrangement allows smaller components to be positioned above larger ones, with their projected areas overlapping, thereby reducing the overall apparatus footprint while maintaining functional independence.
2Area of stationary object
If the main tank, sub tank, and recording head are arranged to overlap the container when viewed from above, then the apparatus footprint is reduced, but the spatial arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid supply system into three distinct vertically-segregated segments: the main tank receiving portion (lowest level), the sub tank (intermediate level), and the recording head (highest level). Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently accessed. This segmentation simplifies the overall spatial arrangement by assigning clear vertical zones to each component, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from overlapping horizontal arrangements.
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 achieves downsizing of the apparatus' area viewed from the specified direction, enhancing spatial efficiency and usability by allowing for easier operation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The main tank is positioned lower than the sub tank
Implementation Method 2
liquid supplied from the sub tank to the recording head is ejected from ejection openings
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus comprising a container to store a sheet of recording medium; a conveyer configured to convey the recording medium in the container; a main tank receiving portion configured to receive a main tank for storing liquid; a sub tank configured to store liquid supplied from the main tank; and a recording head including an ejection surface where ejection openings for ejecting liquid supplied from the sub tank are formed. Each of three projected areas which are an area of the main tank receiving portion, an area of the sub tank, and an area of the recording head, each projected to a virtual plane parallel to a surface of the recording medium contained in the container from a first direction orthogonal to the virtual plane, at least partially overlaps a container projected area which is an area of the container projected to the virtual plane from the first direction.