Inside an ink cartridge (Patreon)

Published:

2023-10-02 05:04:18

Imported:

2023-10

Content

I wasn't expecting this cartridge to be so complex. I expected an ink reservoir section and an air intake port, but I guess the real complexity is ensuring that the ink does not come out the breather port during shipping and storage.

It's nice that it returns ink from the air void to the ink area via the little sump at the bottom of the cartridge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5liq9Tj3aU

Files

Ink cartridges are complex inside!

Aside from making a huge mess, it took a surprisingly long time to reverse engineer this cartridge due to the clever way it forms ink and air channels that cross from side to side. I'll guess that the main reason for the complexity is that it needs to withstand a wide range of temperature variations and random orientations during shipping and storage. The air release valve had done its job well, as there was ink on one side, but none on the air intake side. The sump tube may also be used for the filling process, as a tube with rubber seal could inject ink into that port if the outlet port was also actuated to provide a way out for the displaced air. I'd guess that the cartridge would be upside down for the filling process. That port has a plastic seal applied across it after manufacture. If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:- https://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's algorithm quirks, allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty. #ElectronicsCreators