Quick Connect Gravity Feed Bottle for Toxic Ink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink delivery systems for digital printing, particularly those used in the commercial banking industry for producing checks with magnetic ink, are complex and costly, and pose safety risks due to the toxic nature of Ethylene Glycol in MICR ink, which can cause skin irritation and poisoning.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect gravity feed multipurpose bottle apparatus and bottle loading mechanism that includes a printer liquid replenishing bottle with sealed ports for safe ink delivery, using first and second quick connect fittings for fluid communication and ingress/egress, respectively, to maintain a continuous ink supply while minimizing human contact and preventing air from entering the liquid reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If external ink reservoirs are used to supply large quantities of ink to continuous web printers, then the ink supply capacity is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ink delivery system is segmented into modular components: external reservoirs are divided into multiple detachable bottles, each connecting to the printer via simple quick-connect fittings. This segmentation allows the system to handle large ink quantities through multiple units rather than one complex reservoir, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining supply capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable or easily replaceable ink bottles instead of permanent, complex reservoir systems. Each bottle is a simple, inexpensive unit that can be quickly connected and disconnected, eliminating the need for complex cleaning and maintenance infrastructure associated with reusable large-capacity reservoirs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MICR ink with Ethylene Glycol is used for magnetic ink printing, then the printing functionality is improved, but the safety risk increases due to skin irritation and poisoning
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary containment structure (sealed bottles with secure closures and quick-connect fittings) between the toxic MICR ink and the user. This intermediary design allows operators to refill and replace ink containers without direct skin contact, eliminating exposure to Ethylene Glycol while maintaining the required printing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-connect mechanism enables automatic or semi-automatic connection and disconnection of ink bottles, reducing manual handling of toxic substances. The system design allows ink replacement through simple mechanical coupling rather than manual pouring or complex assembly, minimizing human contact with harmful ink components.
3Ease of operation
If quick connect fittings are used for ink delivery, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of fluid leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the quick-connect mechanism itself and places it in dedicated sealing elements (O-rings, gaskets, or seal lips) that are specifically designed for fluid containment. This separation allows the quick-connect feature to remain simple and easy to operate while the sealing function is optimized independently to prevent leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates pre-installed sealing components and alignment features in the quick-connect fittings that automatically engage when bottles are connected. These beforehand-prepared sealing mechanisms ensure proper fluid containment before any potential leakage can occur, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
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
The solution ensures a continuous and safe ink supply to print heads, reducing complexity and cost by allowing easy refilling and waste management, while preventing skin contact and oxidation-related issues, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The closure has a first port and a second port separate from the first port. The first quick connect fitting is sealingly connected to the first port of the closure, with the first quick connect fitting configured for fluid communication with the liquid supply tank of the inkjet image forming device to allow egress of the liquid from the printer liquid replenishing bottle to the liquid supply tank. The second quick connect fitting is sealingly connected to the second port of the closure, with the second quick connect fitting configured to allow fluid ingress only into the printer liquid replenishing bottle without fluid flow through the liquid housed in the printer liquid replenishing bottle.
Implementation Method 2
quick connect gravity feed multipurpose bottle apparatus and bottle loading mechanism that includes a printer liquid replenishing bottle with sealed ports for safe ink delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A spill proof, user-friendly dispensing system that protects users from exposure to toxic fluids (e.g., Ethylene Glycol used in MICR ink) includes a bottle loading mechanism for feeding ink or other fluids to a respective supply tank of an image forming device, and a quick connect gravity feed multipurpose bottle apparatus. Ink replenishing bottles can be inserted upright into holder of the bottle loading mechanism, connected to a supply tank, and folded back out-of-the-way in a dispensing position. The bottle may be rotated from a gravity feed position to a rotated position for removal and installation while the bottle remains in the holder. The bottle when empty may be used to collect waste from the image forming device.