Recording Device Waste Liquid Collection Dam for Replacement Drip Prevention

Solution Overview

Problem

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

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 pre-formed in the discharge portion to create a temporary storage space before the container is removed. This preliminary structure ensures that when the container is taken out, the ink is already contained and cannot drip, eliminating the need for additional protective measures during replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dam portion acts as an intermediary element between the discharge portion and the external environment. It creates a temporary barrier that intercepts the ink flow during container replacement, preventing direct contact between the dripping ink and the device components while allowing normal operation when the container is installed.

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 causing damage

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-formed in the discharge portion to create a temporary storage space before the container is removed. This preliminary structure ensures that when the container is taken out, the ink is already contained and cannot drip, eliminating the need for additional protective measures during replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dam portion acts as an intermediary element between the discharge portion and the external environment. It creates a temporary barrier that intercepts the ink flow during container replacement, preventing direct contact between the dripping ink and the device components while allowing normal operation when the container is installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the discharge portion has no dam structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but ink will drip during container replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of discharge portion structureVSAvoidprevention of ink dripping during replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge portion is segmented into functional zones: the outlet for normal operation and the dam portion for containment during replacement. This segmentation allows the structure to perform multiple functions without requiring a completely complex redesign, maintaining simplicity while adding protective capability where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dam portion is pre-formed in the discharge portion to create a temporary storage space before the container is removed. This preliminary structure ensures that when the container is taken out, the ink is already contained and cannot drip, eliminating the need for additional protective measures during replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 preventing wiring issues during waste liquid container replacement.

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

PatentUS12459263B2Recording device

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 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.