Rotating Ink Storage Structure for Compact Precipitate Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid agitating apparatuses are inadequate for effectively dispersing precipitates in liquids, particularly inks, which can lead to uneven distribution of pigment components over time, affecting image quality and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A liquid agitating apparatus with a shaftless support structure and a rotating storage unit that agitates multiple containers simultaneously, ensuring even distribution of liquid contents by rotating around a central axis, while minimizing interference with user access and reducing the apparatus's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional ink storage structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the ink cannot be effectively agitated to disperse precipitates
Solution Approach 1:
The ink storage unit is designed to rotate around a central axis, transforming a static storage structure into a dynamic agitating system. The rotation mechanism enables the ink to be continuously agitated during storage, effectively dispersing precipitates while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating ink storage unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a storage container and an agitating device. By integrating the agitation function into the storage unit itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate agitation mechanisms, thereby improving dispersion effectiveness without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple ink containers are stored separately, then each container is easily accessible, but the apparatus occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ink containers are merged into a single rotating ink storage unit that can hold multiple containers simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the overall apparatus footprint while the rotation mechanism ensures that each container remains accessible by bringing it to the appropriate position during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of separate containers to a three-dimensional rotating structure. By utilizing vertical space and rotational movement, multiple containers can be stored in a compact configuration that minimizes the apparatus footprint while maintaining accessibility through rotational positioning.
3Reliability
If the ink storage unit rotates freely, then agitation is effective, but interference with user access occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism is segmented into controlled intervals, allowing the ink storage unit to rotate to specific positions rather than rotating freely. This segmented rotation ensures effective agitation while stopping at predetermined positions that facilitate user access and operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation system incorporates position detection and control mechanisms that provide feedback on the current position of the ink storage unit. This feedback control ensures that the unit rotates to the correct positions for both effective agitation and user access, preventing interference while maintaining agitation effectiveness.
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 apparatus effectively disperses settled particles in liquids, enhancing uniformity and reducing user burden, thereby improving image quality and productivity without increasing the apparatus's footprint.
Implementation Method 1
a support unit that supports the storing unit so as to be rotatable around a rotation center line; a drive unit that rotates the storing unit supported by the support unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid agitating apparatus includes first storing means (200) for storing a first liquid, first agitating means (600) for agitating the first liquid in the first storing means by causing the first storing means to undergo a first movement, second storing means (200) for storing a second liquid different from the first liquid, and second agitating means (100) for agitating the second liquid in the second storing means by causing the second storing means to undergo a second movement different from the first movement.