Terminal Connection Assembly Convex Positioning for Print Cartridges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in securely positioning liquid containers and cartridges due to limitations in existing engagement mechanisms, leading to potential misalignment and accidental disconnection during use.
Innovation Solution
A terminal connection assembly that utilizes convex structures to restrict motion in the intersecting direction, ensuring secure engagement with positioning concaves, preventing accidental disconnection and ensuring accurate alignment of cartridges with the printing apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If convex structures are used to restrict motion in the intersecting direction, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal connection assembly is divided into distinct functional components: convexes for motion restriction, positioning concaves for engagement, and supporting structures for stability. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving precise positioning without requiring a completely complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using concaves to restrict motion, the patent employs convexes that protrude forward to engage with positioning concaves. This inversion of the traditional engagement mechanism allows the convexes to actively restrict motion in the intersecting direction while the concaves provide the receiving geometry, achieving positioning accuracy through this reversed approach.
2Reliability
If multiple convexes are used to prevent accidental disconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple convexes are combined into a single integrated terminal connection assembly that engages with corresponding positioning concaves on the cartridge. This merging approach allows multiple engagement points to work together simultaneously, providing enhanced connection stability and preventing accidental disconnection while avoiding the complexity of separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs convexes that protrude in multiple directions (forward in the mounting direction and in the intersecting direction) to create engagement in multiple dimensional orientations. This multi-dimensional engagement approach enhances reliability by restricting motion in various directions simultaneously, while the integrated design keeps the overall structure manageable.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
There is provided a terminal connection assembly. The terminal connection assembly comprises terminals configured to be electrically connectable with an apparatus-side terminal assembly of a printing apparatus; contact regions where the apparatus-side terminal assembly is in contact with the terminals; a substrate on which the terminals are provided; a supporting structure configured to support the substrate; and convexes configured to restrict motion of a positioning structure of the printing apparatus in an intersecting direction that intersects with a mounting direction in which the terminal connection assembly is mounted. In the state that the terminal connection assembly is mounted to the printing apparatus, a plurality of the contact regions are arranged to form a plurality of lines arrayed at predetermined intervals in the mounting direction. A virtual plane passing through the plurality of contact regions is inclined to the mounting direction. The convex is protruded in a direction away from the supporting structure. The configuration of the terminal connection assembly enables a liquid container to be positioned relative to the printing apparatus with high accuracy.