Capacitance Liquid Level Detection Electrode Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices for liquids, such as ink tanks in printers, face challenges in accurately detecting the storage amount of liquid due to limitations in detection accuracy, which affects the reliability of liquid ejection and management systems.
Innovation Solution
A storage device configuration with a plurality of walls, including a first and second electrode arrangement on opposite surfaces, subjected to water-repellent treatment, enhances detection accuracy by using a detection circuit to measure capacitance changes, allowing for precise liquid level monitoring and ejection control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detection electrode and guard electrode are arranged to face the container to detect storage amount, then detection function is provided, but detection accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into multiple detection regions with multiple electrode pairs (first electrode pair and second electrode pair) positioned at different locations. Each electrode pair independently detects liquid level in its specific region, allowing segmented monitoring of the storage container to improve overall detection accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from a single-point detection approach to multi-point spatial detection by arranging electrode pairs at different positions (e.g., different heights and locations) within the storage container. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions enables comprehensive liquid level monitoring and improves detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If inner surfaces of storage device walls are subjected to water-repellent treatment, then liquid adhesion is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water-repellent treatment is applied specifically to the inner surfaces of the storage device walls where liquid contact occurs during detection. This localized treatment improves liquid level detection precision by preventing liquid adhesion to the wall surfaces, while the treatment process is integrated into existing manufacturing workflows to minimize additional complexity.
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
The solution improves the detection accuracy of liquid levels in storage devices, enabling reliable liquid ejection and management, reducing errors and ensuring timely replenishment of ink supplies.
Implementation Method 1
The remaining amount detection sensor detects the remaining amount of the contents of the container based on a capacitance measured by the detection electrode
Implementation Method 2
the first inner surface of the first portion and the second inner surface of the second portion are subjected to a water-repellent treatment
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a storage section including a plurality of walls and storing an object in a space surrounded by the plurality of walls; a first electrode provided in a first portion of a first wall among the plurality of walls; and a second electrode provided in a second portion of a second wall among the plurality of walls, in which the first portion includes a first outer surface on which the first electrode is provided and a first inner surface opposite to the first outer surface, the second portion includes a second outer surface on which the second electrode is provided and a second inner surface opposite to the second outer surface, and the first inner surface of the first portion and the second inner surface of the second portion are subjected to a water-repellent treatment.