Rotating Tray Mechanism for Liquid Container Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large ink jet recording apparatuses, such as commercial printing machines, the replacement workability of ink tanks or waste tanks is impaired when the tray is positioned high, making it difficult for users to visually recognize the ink pack from the top surface side during replacement.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supply apparatus with a tray that is movable between connected and disconnected positions with respect to the supply port, and rotates downward when sliding a predetermined distance, allowing for improved visual recognition and accessibility during replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the tray is disposed at a high position in the liquid discharge apparatus, then the liquid container can be accommodated within the apparatus, but the user cannot visually recognize the ink pack from the top surface side during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis, transforming from a static component to a dynamic one. When the user pulls the tray outward, it automatically rotates to tilt downward, changing its orientation to improve visibility and accessibility of the liquid container during replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray's motion is extended from simple linear translation to a rotational movement in three-dimensional space. By adding the rotational degree of freedom, the tray can simultaneously move outward and tilt downward, creating a compound motion that resolves the contradiction between high-position accommodation and user accessibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tray is fixed in position, then the liquid container remains stable, but the user must reach from below to replace it, reducing workability
Solution Approach 1:
The tray transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic one with controlled movement. It remains stable during normal operation but can be pulled outward and rotated by the user, and automatically returns to its original position, providing both stability and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray incorporates an automatic return mechanism that uses elastic restoration force to return the tray to its initial position after being pulled outward. This self-service feature eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems while maintaining both stability and ease of operation.
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 solution enhances the workability of replacing the liquid storage container by ensuring the tray rotates downward, providing better visibility and ease of access, thus improving the overall replacement process.
Implementation Method 1
the tray rotates downward in a gravitational direction with respect to the tray holding portion when the tray slides and moves a predetermined distance or more in a first direction from the first position toward the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid supply apparatus includes a tray that accommodates a liquid container with a supply port for supplying liquid to a liquid discharge head and a tray holding portion with a connection portion to be connected with the supply port that holds the tray. When the supply port is connected with the connection portion, the liquid can be supplied to the liquid discharge head, the tray is movable between a first position where the supply port of the liquid container accommodated in the tray and the connection portion are connected and a second position where the supply port of the liquid container accommodated in the tray and the connection portion are not connected. The tray rotates downward in a gravitational direction with respect to the tray holding portion when the tray slides and moves a predetermined distance or more in a first direction.