Sub-tank Case with Universal Slot Attachment and Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing techniques for replenishing ink in sub-tanks for inkjet recording apparatuses lead to increased manufacturing costs and complex stock management due to the lack of interchangeability of sub-tanks, resulting in inefficiencies and complications in handling multiple types of sub-tanks.
Innovation Solution
A sub-tank system that includes a detachable case capable of being attached to multiple slots, equipped with a storage unit that stores a unique identifier and consumable article information, allowing for common use across different slots and enabling easy differentiation between sub-tanks, and a controller that manages consumable article replenishment and supply based on stored information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sub-tanks are made non-interchangeable to ensure proper consumable article supply, then consumable article supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and stock management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-tank case is designed to be universally compatible with multiple slots through a detachable attachment mechanism. The case can be detached from one slot and attached to another, allowing the same sub-tank to serve multiple positions. This universality resolves the contradiction by enabling one sub-tank to fulfill the reliability function across different slots without requiring multiple specialized sub-tank types, thereby simplifying stock management while maintaining supply reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple types of sub-tanks are used for different slots, then consumable article attribute matching is improved, but manufacturing cost and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-tank case is designed as a universal, detachable structure that can be attached to multiple slots, eliminating the need to manufacture different types of cases for different slots. This reduces manufacturing costs by standardizing the case design while maintaining the ability to match consumable article attributes through the controller's management of sub-tank identifiers and slot assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating physically different sub-tank types for different slots, the system uses identical sub-tank cases with stored identifier information. The controller manages the mapping between sub-tank identifiers and slot requirements, effectively 'copying' the differentiation function from physical design to data management. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining proper attribute matching.
3Ease of operation
If sub-tanks are made interchangeable to simplify stock management, then ease of operation is improved, but ability to track consumable article attributes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system copies the attribute identification function from physical sub-tank design to digital data storage. Each sub-tank contains a storage unit with an identifier, and the controller manages the mapping between identifiers and consumable article attributes. This allows interchangeable sub-tank cases to be used freely while the controller maintains accurate tracking of which sub-tank contains which consumable article type, preventing information loss despite physical interchangeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the interchangeable sub-tanks and the slot requirements. It stores and processes information about sub-tank identifiers and their corresponding consumable article attributes, mediating the matching process. This intermediary data management system enables free interchangeability of sub-tank cases while maintaining precise tracking of consumable article attributes through information rather than physical design.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technique that can reduce at least one of various inconveniences in a sub-tank, such as stock management being complicated. The sub-tank includes: a consumable article containing portion; a sub-tank-side storage unit; and a case that can be detachably attached to multiple slots in a consumable article consumption apparatus and contains the consumable article containing portion. In a state before the sub-tank is first mounted in the slot, the sub-tank-side storage unit stores a sub-tank-side identifier configured to distinguish from another sub-tank, and in a state after the sub-tank is first mounted in the slot, the sub-tank-side storage unit further stores sub-tank-side consumable article information relating to an attribute of the consumable article replenished in a consumable article containing portion.