Refilled Ink Container Cleaning Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
The quality of ink after refilling a used ink container can be unstable due to varying ink amounts and pH levels, and residues like colorant aggregates can cause clogging issues in liquid consuming devices.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing a refilled ink container involves pouring a cleaning solution into a used ink container to fill the liquid accommodating portion, discharging the cleaning solution along with any residue, and then filling the container with refill ink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a used ink container is refilled with refill ink directly, then productivity is improved by reusing containers, but ink quality becomes unstable due to varying ink amounts and pH levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a cleaning step before refilling the used ink container. The cleaning solution is introduced through the liquid flowing portion to remove residues and stabilize the internal environment, ensuring consistent ink quality across different reused containers while maintaining high productivity
2Device complexity
If a used ink container is refilled directly without cleaning, then device complexity is reduced by simplifying the refilling process, but harmful factors increase due to residue causing filter clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a cleaning solution as an intermediary substance that is introduced through the existing liquid flowing portion. This mediator removes harmful residues from the container interior without requiring additional complex cleaning structures, thus eliminating filter clogging risks while keeping the refilling process relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a refilled ink container includes: a first step of pouring a cleaning solution into a used ink container including a liquid flowing portion and a liquid accommodating portion through the liquid flowing portion to fill the liquid accommodating portion with the cleaning solution, the liquid flowing portion being configured to supply and discharge liquid; a second step of discharging the cleaning solution in the liquid accommodating portion through the liquid flowing portion together with a residue remaining in the liquid accommodating portion; and a third step of, after the second step, pouring refill ink into the ink container through the liquid flowing portion to fill the liquid accommodating portion with the refill ink.