Removable Cap with Cam-Actuated Collar for Low Torque Printing Fluid Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing fluid containers face challenges in manufacturing simplicity, ease of use, and efficient cap removal, often requiring complex molding and high torque for opening, which complicates automation and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A printing fluid container with a molded closure assembly featuring a cap and collar design that allows for quick and easy removal by twisting or snapping off, utilizing complementary surface features for cam-actuated cap removal under low torque (≤1.0Nm) and a dual release mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional removable lid is used on the printing fluid container, then the container can be opened and closed, but the cap requires high torque for removal and complex molding processes
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is divided into two separate components: a collar that remains on the container body and a cap that can be easily removed. This segmentation allows the cap to be designed with simple geometry for easy molding while the collar provides the sealing function, eliminating the need for complex integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted from the cap and assigned to the collar that remains fixed on the container. The cap itself is simplified to only provide cover and easy removal functionality, which resolves the contradiction by separating the sealing requirement from the easy removal requirement.
2Reliability
If a secure closure is used to prevent fluid leakage, then the container is sealed properly, but the cap requires high torque to open
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is separated from the removable cap and assigned to the stationary collar. The collar maintains the seal against the container body while the cap only needs to cover the opening, requiring minimal force for removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing contact surface is extracted from the cap design and placed on the collar that remains fixed on the container. This allows the cap to be removed with low torque while the collar maintains the reliable seal when the cap is in place.
3Reliability
If complex molding is used to create an integrated cap design, then the closure is secure, but manufacturing becomes difficult and automation is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is segmented into a collar and cap that can be manufactured separately using simple molding processes. Each component has a simple geometry that is easy to mold, eliminating the need for complex integrated molding while maintaining closure security through the collar-cap interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar serves multiple functions: providing the seal against the container body, serving as the mounting structure for the cap, and maintaining the opening closure when the cap is removed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for complex integrated designs.
4Reliability
If a traditional cap design is used, then the container is sealed, but automated application of the cover becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the cap from the sealing collar creates a simple, standardized interface that can be easily handled by automated assembly equipment. The cap's simple geometry and the collar's fixed position on the container body facilitate automated placement and sealing.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a printing fluid container for a printing system is described. The printing fluid container includes a container body for holding printing fluid, a collar connected to the container body, and a cap removably engaging the collar. The collar has a plurality of collar teeth extending peripherally around the collar. The cap has a plurality of cap teeth extending peripherally around the cap. The cap teeth are configured for interfitment with the collar teeth such that rotation of the cap about the longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction effects cam-actuated removal of the cap from the collar.