Carriage Light Shielding for Ink Detection Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid consumption apparatuses, such as inkjet printing systems, face challenges in accurately detecting the residual state of liquids due to unwanted light reflection from the surface of the prism, which cannot be effectively suppressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A liquid consumption apparatus is designed with a light shielding portion integrated into the carriage, which blocks part of the light irradiated by the light emitting portion, improving the accuracy of liquid residual state detection by suppressing reflections from the prism's surface and cavity portions, and optionally featuring a sloped or M-shaped light shielding mask to further reduce noise light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light emitting portion and light receiving portion are disposed in line to detect liquid residual state using a prism, then detection capability is provided, but light reflection from the prism surface causes measurement error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful reflected light from the detection path by providing a light shielding portion that blocks light reflected from the prism surface and cavity portions, preventing this harmful light from reaching the light receiving portion and thus eliminating the measurement error it causes
Solution Approach 2:
The light shielding portion acts as an intermediary element between the light emitting portion and light receiving portion, selectively blocking harmful reflected light while allowing the detection function to operate, thereby mediating between the need for detection and the problem of light reflection
2Measurement precision
If a light shielding portion is added to block reflected light, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding portion is merged with the carriage structure, integrating the light shielding function into an existing component rather than adding a separate independent device, thereby improving measurement accuracy while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage structure is given multiple functions: it not only holds and moves the ink cartridge but also incorporates the light shielding portion to block reflected light, making the carriage a multi-functional component that addresses detection accuracy without requiring additional dedicated structures
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 enhances the accuracy of liquid residual state detection, reducing noise light interference and preventing premature ink cartridge replacement or unnecessary ink discharge, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the fact that when light irradiated by a light emitting element is incident on the prism and reflected by the sloped surfaces at the apex of the prism
Implementation Method 2
light that has passed through the prism and into the ink inside the ink cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid consumption apparatus includes a detection portion in which a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion are arranged, a liquid container that houses a liquid and in which a prism having a cavity is disposed, a carriage with respect to which the liquid container is attachable and detachable, and in which an opening is provided in a position that opposes the prism, and a light shielding portion disposed in the opening in the carriage. When a driving portion moves the carriage in a direction in which the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are arranged, noise light produced by the prism bottom surface or cavity portion is suppressed, as a result of the light shielding portion blocking part of irradiated light.