Capacitive Ink Tank Tilt Sensor Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting tilting in imaging devices with local fluid supplies are costly, complex, or ineffective, leading to potential fluid leakage issues, and there is a need for a more balanced and cost-effective solution that can accurately measure tilt over the lifetime of a fluid container.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive tilt detection system using existing fluid level sensors in the imaging device, where a pair of metal plates or electrodes measure capacitance changes to determine tilting, allowing for tilt detection without additional probes or optical windows, and utilizing the same sensors for both ink level and tilt measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional electrical tilt sensor is installed on the imaging device's circuit board, then tilt detection accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses the existing capacitive ink level sensors to perform dual functions: measuring both ink level and tilt. By applying the same sensors to multiple measurement tasks, the system achieves tilt detection capability without adding dedicated tilt sensors, thereby reducing device cost while maintaining measurement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The existing capacitive sensors in the ink tank system serve themselves by providing tilt detection data in addition to their primary ink level measurement function. The sensors already present in the system are utilized for tilt detection through capacitive coupling changes, eliminating the need for external tilt sensing components
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are added for tilt detection, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing capacitive ink level sensors multi-functional by enabling them to detect both ink level and tilt. This approach enhances measurement capability without increasing the number of sensors or adding complex sensor systems, as the same hardware components perform multiple measurement tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines ink level measurement and tilt detection functions into a single sensor system. By merging these two measurement capabilities into the existing capacitive sensors, the system achieves enhanced versatility while avoiding the complexity of separate sensor systems and their associated processing circuits
3Reliability
If traditional tilt sensors are used, then tilt detection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing capacitive sensors in the ink tank system provide tilt detection functionality in addition to their primary function. These sensors already present in the system serve dual purposes, enabling reliable tilt detection without requiring additional components that would increase manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes inexpensive capacitive sensing elements that are already part of the ink tank assembly for tilt detection. By repurposing these low-cost components for an additional function, the system achieves reliable tilt detection without the expense of traditional tilt sensors
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
This approach reduces manufacturing costs, prevents fluid leakage by closing valves when tilting is detected, and maintains accurate tilt measurement throughout the fluid container's lifetime without increasing complexity, ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of metal plates or electrodes disposed on the housing to measure capacitance of the volume of fluid between the capacitive electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A container for holding a volume of fluid and having a housing defining an interior for retaining the volume of fluid; at least one in-tank tilt sensor connected to a controller and disposed inside the housing for generating a signal corresponding to a level of fluid inside the housing; and a support material attached to the housing and connected to the at least one in-tank tilt sensor to mechanically support the at least one in-tank tilt sensor such that the at least one in-tank tilt sensor is not in direct contact with the fluid inside the housing. The in-tank tilt sensor detects a change in fluid level which may only be caused by tilting of the imaging device. When tilting is registered, protective action is taken to prevent fluid from leaking.