Variable Speed Hollow Tube Insertion for Cartridge Apparatus Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cartridge accommodating apparatuses for ink-jet printers generate significant operation sounds due to the driving force transmitting mechanism during the movement of the hollow tube into the liquid lead-out channel, which is attributed to the constant driving speed used during the insertion operation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a moving mechanism with a driving source and a controller that adjusts the driving speed based on the resistance forces encountered during different segments of the hollow tube's movement, using distinct speeds for each segment to minimize sound generation by matching the driving speed to the resistance encountered at specific contact and release positions of the blocking members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driving source is driven at a constant driving speed to move the hollow tube into the liquid lead-out channel, then the hollow tube can reliably release the blocking members, but the operation sound from the driving force transmitting mechanism becomes great
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant speed motion to variable speed motion. The driving source controller adjusts the driving speed according to the movement phase: using a first driving speed during approach, a second driving speed (faster) during contact and release of blocking members, and a third driving speed during final positioning. This dynamic speed adjustment ensures reliable blocking member release while minimizing operation sound during low-resistance phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of driving speed from constant to variable. By controlling the driving source to operate at different speeds (first, second, and third driving speeds) corresponding to different movement phases of the hollow tube, the system optimizes both reliability of blocking member release and reduction of operation sound. The speed parameter is modified based on real-time feedback about the hollow tube's position and contact status with blocking members.
2Productivity
If the driving source is driven at a faster speed to reduce operation time, then productivity increases, but the operation sound becomes greater
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hollow tube's movement into distinct phases, each with appropriate speed characteristics. The movement is divided into: approach phase (first driving speed), contact and release phase (second driving speed - faster), and final positioning phase (third driving speed). This segmentation allows the system to use higher speeds only when necessary for productivity during the contact phase, while using lower speeds during approach and positioning to minimize operation sound.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between different driving speeds during the movement cycle. The driving source controller periodically adjusts the speed based on the hollow tube's position: slower speeds during approach and positioning, faster speeds during the brief contact and release phase. This periodic variation in speed maintains productivity while reducing overall operation sound.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge accommodating apparatus includes: a cartridge accommodating section accommodating a cartridge which includes a liquid accommodating section, a liquid lead-out channel, a first blocking member blocking a first portion of the liquid lead-out channel, and a second blocking member blocking a second portion between the first portion and the liquid accommodating section; a hollow tube introducing liquid in the liquid lead-out channel into inside of the hollow tube; a moving mechanism moving the hollow tube between a first position at which a tip portion of the hollow tube is located outside the liquid lead-out channel and a second position at which the tip portion of the hollow tube has entered inside the liquid lead-out channel; a driving source; a driving force transmitting mechanism transmitting driving force of the driving source to the moving mechanism; and a driving source controller controlling driving speed of the driving source.


