Printhead Ink Joint Locking for Stable Leak-Free Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing apparatuses face issues with ink discharge failures due to variations in the insertion amount of the joint portion between the printhead and the tube, caused by the elastomeric force of the joint, leading to leaks and unstable ink supply.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a rotatable first operating member and a lock member that stabilizes the connection between the printhead and the liquid supply portion, using a lock member to balance forces and maintain consistent insertion, eliminating the need for additional spring members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock arrangement with a spring member is provided to hold the joint lever, then the variation in insertion amount of the joint portion is reduced, but the apparatus size increases due to the necessity to secure a spring arrangement space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the spring member from the lock arrangement, using only the lock lever and lock hole mechanism to achieve the holding function. This removes the need for spring arrangement space while maintaining the ability to hold the joint lever in the coupled state and reduce insertion amount variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock lever itself serves the dual function of both operating the joint portion and providing the locking mechanism through engagement with the lock hole. The system uses its own structural components rather than additional spring elements to achieve the holding force needed for stable connection.
2Reliability
If the joint lever is held in the coupled state using a spring-based lock arrangement, then leak at the joint portion is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to additional spring components
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is extracted from the lock arrangement, simplifying the device structure while maintaining the essential locking function. The lock lever and lock hole combination provides the necessary holding force without requiring additional spring components, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged into the existing joint lever mechanism. The lock lever integrates the operation of connecting the joint portion with the locking function in a single component system, eliminating the need for separate spring-based locking mechanisms.
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
Stabilizes the connection between the printhead and the liquid supply portion, ensuring reliable ink discharge without leaks and reducing the apparatus size and cost by eliminating the need for additional spring components.
Implementation Method 1
the joint lever moves due to the reaction of the elastomeric force of the joint
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a carriage on which a printhead is mounted, a liquid supply portion coupled to a liquid inflow portion of the printhead and, a first operating member rotatably attached to the carriage and configured to shift the liquid inflow portion and the liquid supply portion to a coupled state by being operated in a first direction and to shift the liquid inflow portion and the liquid supply portion to a decoupled state by being operated in a second direction; and a lock member coupled to the first operating member and configured to switch to a lock state to restrict the first operating member from shifting from the coupled state to the decoupled state and to a disengaged state to permit the first operating member to shift from the coupled state to the decoupled state.