Supply Manifold Trigger Arm for Carriage Lock Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet pens in printing devices can be damaged due to improper securing of the supply manifold, leading to movement of the carriage device when the supply manifold is not locked, causing damage to components and connections.

Innovation Solution

A trigger arm mechanism is used to raise the supply manifold to a specific distance above the carriage device when not secured, preventing movement and potential damage by interacting with a physical structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the supply manifold is not properly secured to the carriage device, then the inkjet pen can be removed or replaced, but the carriage device may move causing damage to components and connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of inkjet pen replacementVSAvoidrisk of carriage device movement and component damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger arm applies a preliminary lifting force to raise the supply manifold before the locking mechanism can engage, preventing the carriage device from moving in the first place. This counteracts the potential harmful motion before it can occur, allowing safe maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger arm performs a preliminary action by lifting the supply manifold to a safe position before any maintenance or replacement operations are performed on the inkjet pen. This ensures the carriage device is in a stable state before manipulation begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to secure the supply manifold, then the carriage device movement is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of carriage device movementVSAvoidcomplexity of supply manifold securing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger arm combines multiple functions into a single mechanism: it lifts the supply manifold, prevents carriage device movement, and works in coordination with the locking mechanism. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger arm serves multiple purposes: it acts as a lifting mechanism, a positioning device, and a safety feature that works with the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the supply manifold is raised above the carriage device, then movement is prevented, but the distance and positioning precision must be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of carriage device movementVSAvoidprecision of supply manifold positioning distance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger arm is designed to automatically lift the supply manifold to the correct position through its mechanical geometry. The arm's length and angle are configured so that when activated, it naturally raises the manifold to the precise distance needed, without requiring additional sensors or active control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger arm creates a mechanical equilibrium position where the supply manifold is raised to the optimal distance. The mechanical design ensures that the arm naturally settles at the correct angle and position, providing consistent positioning without requiring complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentUS12508812B2Supply manifold trigger arms

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

In some examples, the disclosure describes device that includes a moveable carriage, a supply manifold releasably coupled to the moveable carriage utilizing a locking mechanism, and a trigger arm coupled to the supply manifold to move the supply manifold a distance away from the moveable carriage while the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position.