Snap-fit Liquid Cartridge Case Assembly Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cartridge configurations for inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in automating the assembly process, leading to burdensome part assembly and difficulty in automating the liquid cartridge assembly, as seen in previous patent documents.
Innovation Solution
A liquid cartridge design featuring a case member with a snap-fit connection between a base member and a cover member, allowing for easy assembly by sliding the cover member onto the base member, with visible snap-fit connection verification and a hole part for external observation, facilitating automatic assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw connection is used to connect cartridge case parts, then connection strength is improved, but assembly complexity increases and automation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge case is divided into multiple parts (first cartridge case part and second cartridge case part) that are connected through a simplified snap-fit mechanism rather than requiring full threaded engagement, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The screw-threaded mechanical connection system is replaced with a snap-fit connection system that uses elastic deformation and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for threading operations and enabling automated assembly while maintaining sufficient connection strength
2Ease of operation
If snap-fit connection is used to connect cartridge case parts, then assembly ease is improved and automation becomes possible, but connection reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Snap-fit protrusions and recesses are pre-formed during molding, ensuring proper alignment and engagement geometry before assembly occurs, which maintains connection reliability while enabling simple snap-fit assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the cartridge case parts are optimized to provide appropriate elasticity for snap-fit engagement, allowing reliable connection through controlled deformation while maintaining structural integrity under operational loads
3Strength
If complex assembly structure is used, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and automation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (structural support, connection mechanism, and alignment features) are merged into integrated molded parts with snap-fit features built-in, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and complex assembly steps while maintaining structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit connection structure serves multiple purposes: providing structural strength, enabling automated assembly, facilitating quality inspection through visible verification, and simplifying manufacturing, thereby improving ease of manufacture across multiple dimensions
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 design enhances the workability of assembling the liquid cartridge, enabling automatic assembly and preventing interference during handling and insertion into the cartridge holder, thus improving the overall assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a snap-fit part; and a liquid container member disposed inside the case member. The case member includes: a base member; and a cover member having a snap-fit part and configured to be fit in the base member, the cover member and the base member being snap-fit connected via the snap-fit part
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a liquid cartridge containing a liquid supplied to a recording head to eject liquid drops. The liquid cartridge includes a case member, and a liquid container member disposed inside the case member. The case member includes a base member, and a cover member having a snap-fit part and configured to be fit in the base member, the cover member and the base member being snap-fit connected via the snap-fit part. The base member includes a hole part via which a snap-fit connected state of the snap-fit part of the cover member is viewable from outside in a condition where the cover member and the base member are snap-fit connected by sliding the cover member and the base member.