Flexible Tube Support for Pivoting Liquid Ejecting Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as printers, the tubes connecting the upper and main casings often twist, bend sharply, or stretch excessively when the upper casing is pivotally moved, leading to potential damage and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a third supporting section that is configured to support the tubes in a direction parallel to the pivotal axis, with guiding surfaces that prevent sharp bending and excessive stretching by allowing the tubes to curve smoothly, and restricting the movement range to prevent deformation-related loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper casing is pivotally moved relative to the main casing, then the accessibility and maintenance capability are improved, but the tubes connecting the casings are twisted, bent sharply, or stretched excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing multiple supporting sections at different locations along the tubes. Each supporting section is strategically positioned to provide localized support where needed, preventing deformation in specific critical areas while allowing the upper casing to pivot freely for maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by arranging the supporting sections in a spatial configuration that accommodates the pivotal movement. The supporting sections are positioned in three-dimensional space to guide the tubes through the movement arc, allowing the upper casing to rotate while maintaining tube integrity through proper spatial arrangement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tubes are supported rigidly between the main casing and upper casing, then the structural stability is improved, but the tubes cannot accommodate the pivotal movement without deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support system into multiple discrete supporting sections distributed along the length of the tubes. This segmentation allows each section to provide localized stability while the collective arrangement accommodates the overall pivotal movement, resolving the contradiction between rigid support and movement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting sections are arranged to dynamically adapt to the pivotal movement of the upper casing. The spatial configuration allows the tube-support system to transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic arrangement that maintains stability during movement, enabling both structural integrity and movement accommodation.
Data Source
AI summary
A first part of liquid holders includes at least one liquid holder provided at the first casing. A second part of liquid holders includes at least one liquid holder provided at the second casing. Each of a plurality of flexible tubes has one end and another end. The one end is connected to the first part of the liquid holders. The other end is connected to the second part of the liquid holders. A first supporting section is provided at the first casing and supports the tubes. A second supporting section is provided at the second casing and supports the tubes. A third supporting section supports the tubes at a position between the first supporting section and the second supporting section in such a manner that the tubes are arranged in a direction parallel to a pivotal axis.