Rotatable Pad Electrode for Ink Cartridge Electrical Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ink cartridges with pad electrodes may experience poor electrical connections when mounted due to insufficient contact force, leading to potential deformation or resistance during insertion.

Innovation Solution

The ink cartridge design includes a rotatable electrode unit with pad electrodes that are mounted relative to the casing, allowing for stable electrical connections by rotating the electrodes to align with electrical connecting portions, reducing impact and ensuring proper contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pad electrode is fixed relative to the casing, then the structure is simple, but the electrical connection is poor due to insufficient contact force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pad electrode is made rotatable relative to the casing through a rotation mechanism, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. This enables the pad electrode to rotate and align with the electrical connecting portion, ensuring reliable electrical contact while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If strong insertion force is applied, then the mounting is secure, but the pad electrode deforms or resists during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting forceVSAvoiddeformation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable pad electrode can rotate during the insertion process, allowing it to move out of the direct path of insertion force. This dynamic movement prevents deformation of the pad electrode and reduces resistance during insertion, while still achieving secure mounting when the electrode is properly aligned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation mechanism is pre-configured to allow the pad electrode to rotate automatically during insertion. This preliminary setup enables the electrode to preemptively adjust its position before contact with the electrical connecting portion, avoiding deformation and resistance during the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the pad electrode is fixed, then the manufacturing is simple, but the contact force is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidcontact force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The pad electrode is designed with rotational capability, allowing it to move and align with the electrical connecting portion during assembly. This dynamic feature increases contact force without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as the rotation mechanism can be integrated into existing assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3856525B1Member including pad electrode, ink cartridge and recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.06.25 CANON KK

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AI summary

A member includes a plurality of pad electrodes and a casing, wherein the plurality of pad electrodes are mounted on the casing and are rotatable relative to the casing on the casing.