Storage Bag Convex Coupling for Vertical Fold Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing ink packs with gusset portions face issues with vertical folds occurring during ink usage, which hinder smooth folding and effective ink use-up.

Innovation Solution

The storage bag design includes specific coupling portions with convex protrusions that regulate the movable area of the gusset portions, preventing vertical folds by ensuring proper folding alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the gusset portion is allowed to move freely during ink usage, then the bag can be crushed smoothly, but vertical folds may occur that block smooth folding and prevent complete ink use-up

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmooth foldingVSAvoidink use-up property
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the coupling portion by adding convex portions that protrude into the bag body. These convex portions change the geometric parameters of the coupling region, creating a mechanical constraint that prevents vertical fold formation while maintaining the ability of the gusset to fold smoothly during ink usage. This parameter modification resolves the contradiction by simultaneously enabling smooth folding and ensuring complete ink consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the gusset portion has high flexibility for smooth folding, then the bag can be crushed easily, but vertical folds may form that resist folding and block ink discharge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding structureVSAvoidvertical fold resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The convex portions act as intermediary elements within the coupling portion that mediate between the flexible gusset material and the folding action. These protrusions interfere with the formation of vertical folds by creating a mechanical barrier, while still allowing the gusset to fold smoothly in the intended direction. This intermediary structure eliminates the harmful vertical fold resistance without compromising the flexibility needed for smooth folding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250162324A1Storage bag and printing apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.05.22 CANON KK
  • US20250162324A1 patent drawing
  • US20250162324A1 patent drawing
  • US20250162324A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An object is to provide a storage bag capable of suppressing the occurrence of a vertical fold at a gusset portion. The storage bag includes a bag body and a discharge port. The bag body includes a first surface portion, a second surface portion, a third surface portion configured to serve as a gusset portion, and a fourth surface portion configured to serve as a gusset portion. The first surface portion and the third surface portion are coupled by a first coupling portion. The first surface portion and the fourth surface portion are coupled by a second coupling portion. The first coupling portion includes a first convex portion. The second coupling portion includes a second convex portion.