Recording Apparatus Tube Connection Segmentation for Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In recording apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, the attachment and detachment of liquid containers and tubes are cumbersome due to fixed connectors, making maintenance difficult and the tube layout inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus design featuring a connection member with a first connection section positioned outside the main housing, allowing easy separation and attachment of liquid supply tubes, and incorporating a valve mechanism and detecting unit to manage liquid flow and notify operators of disconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connector is fixed to an inner section of the main housing to enable tube assembly, then the tube attachability during manufacturing is improved, but the liquid container section cannot be easily removed for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate connection sections: a first connection section on the liquid container section side and a second connection section on the main housing side. This segmentation allows the liquid container section to be easily detached by separating these two connection sections, while still providing secure attachment during manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The first connection section is extracted from the main housing and attached to the liquid container section instead. This extraction enables the liquid container section to be freely attached and detached without affecting the structural integrity of the main housing, while maintaining secure connection during operation
2Ease of manufacture
If the tube is divided into portions and linked by a connector fixed inside the main housing to simplify assembly, then the assembly process is simplified, but the tube layout flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between tubes is made dynamic rather than fixed. The first connection section can be attached and detached as needed, allowing the tube layout to be flexibly adjusted during assembly and maintenance while still providing stable connection during operation
3Ease of operation
If the liquid container section is attached to an outer section of the main housing for easy access, then the liquid supply is improved, but the container section impedes maintenance work on inner sections
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid container section is segmented from the main housing through the separate connection sections. This allows the container section to be easily detached and removed when maintenance on inner sections is required, while maintaining secure attachment during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The connection sections are designed with preliminary attachment features that enable quick connection and disconnection. This preliminary design allows maintenance personnel to rapidly detach the liquid container section when needed, minimizing interference with maintenance work
Data Source
AI summary
In a recording apparatus, one end section sides of first liquid supply tubes are connected to ink tanks which are provided to be able to be attached and detached from outer sections of a main housing. Other end section sides of second liquid supply tubes, where one end section sides are connected to a liquid ejecting head side which is provided in an inner section of the main housing, are connected to other end section sides of the first liquid supply tubes using connection members. Out of first connection sections which are provided in the connection members on the first liquid supply tubes side and second connection sections which are provided in the connection members on the second liquid supply tubes side, at least the first connection sections are provided so as to be positioned at outer sections of the main housing.