Waste Ink Discharge Dam Structure for Clean Container Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ink may drip from the outlet of a waste liquid collecting container during the replacement process, potentially causing device contamination and other issues.

Innovation Solution

A recording device with a dam portion in the discharge portion of the waste liquid collecting unit to temporarily accumulate waste liquid during container replacement, preventing dripping and ensuring smooth flow when the new container is mounted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the waste liquid collecting container is made removable for easy replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but ink may drip from the outlet causing device contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of container replacementVSAvoidink dripping and device contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dam portion is positioned in advance within the discharge outlet to create a temporary storage space. When the container is removed, the dam portion immediately begins to collect and contain the waste liquid, preventing it from dripping onto the device body. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the harmful effect is mitigated before the container is fully removed from the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dam portion acts as an intermediary element between the waste liquid collecting container and the device body. It serves as a temporary holding structure that intercepts the waste liquid flow during the replacement process, preventing direct contact between the dripping liquid and the device components. The dam portion mediates the transition state during container replacement, protecting the device from contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the waste liquid collecting container is made removable for easy replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but waste liquid may adhere to the wiring substrate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of container replacementVSAvoidwaste liquid adhesion to wiring substrate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dam portion is pre-configured within the discharge outlet structure to create a containment zone. When container replacement begins, the dam portion immediately starts collecting waste liquid in its designated space, preventing the liquid from reaching the wiring substrate. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures protection before any potential contamination can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dam portion serves as a protective intermediary between the waste liquid flow path and the wiring substrate. During container removal, it intercepts and contains the waste liquid, creating a physical barrier that prevents adhesion to the wiring substrate. This intermediary structure isolates the harmful liquid from the sensitive electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a dam portion is added to the discharge outlet to prevent dripping, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of ink drippingVSAvoiddischarge portion structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge outlet is segmented into functional zones: an upper discharge path and a lower dam portion forming a collection space. This segmentation allows the dam portion to be integrated as a distinct functional element within the existing discharge structure, providing dripping prevention without requiring a completely new system design. The segmentation enables modular integration that balances functionality with structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dam portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a dripping barrier, a temporary storage container for waste liquid, and a structural support element for the discharge outlet. By making this single component multi-functional, the design achieves reliable dripping prevention without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one element performs several protective and structural roles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Prevents ink from dripping and contaminating the device, maintaining cleanliness and simplifying maintenance by ensuring efficient waste liquid transfer.

Implementation Method 1

the discharge portion has a dam portion for damming up the waste liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20260070339A1Recording device

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A recording device includes a device body, a recording unit configured to record by ejecting liquid onto a medium, a waste liquid collecting unit configured to collect waste liquid generated inside the device body, a waste liquid storage unit configured to store the waste liquid collected via the waste liquid collecting unit, wherein the waste liquid storage unit is configured to be mountable to and removable from the device body and the waste liquid collecting unit includes a discharge portion configured to discharge the collected waste liquid to the waste liquid storage unit, and the discharge portion has a dam portion for blocking the waste liquid.