Printing Fluid Cartridge Light Attenuating Portion Optical Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing fluid cartridges are not usable if the electrical connection between the electrical interface and the contact fails or if data cannot be read out, leading to waste of ink even when the cartridge has a sufficient amount of ink.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a light attenuating portion in the printing fluid cartridge that can be detected by an optical sensor independently of the electrical interface, allowing the cartridge to be recognized as mounted even if the electrical connection fails, enabling its use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical connection between the memory module and contacts is used to identify the ink cartridge, then data about the ink cartridge can be read out, but the system becomes vulnerable to connection failures that prevent cartridge usage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge usabilityVSAvoidelectrical interface dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary detection mechanism that independently of the electrical interface, detects the presence of the ink cartridge through optical coupling. This optical detection system acts as a mediator that can confirm cartridge installation without requiring successful electrical connection, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely electrical detection system with an optical detection system. Instead of relying solely on electrical contacts to identify the cartridge, the system uses optical sensors to detect optical coupling, providing a non-contact detection method that eliminates the vulnerability to electrical connection failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of substance

If electrical connection failure occurs, then the cartridge cannot be used according to the system, but this results in waste of ink stored in the cartridge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink wasteVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing an alternative optical detection mechanism that activates when electrical connection fails. This backup system prevents the complete loss of cartridge functionality due to electrical connection issues, thereby preventing ink waste before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical connection status to optical coupling status. By monitoring optical parameters instead of electrical parameters, the system can identify cartridge presence even when electrical connections are faulty, preventing premature rejection of functional cartridges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If only electrical interface detection is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot detect cartridges when electrical connection fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection system into two independent parts: an electrical interface for data communication and an optical sensor for presence detection. This segmentation allows each subsystem to perform its specific function independently, with the optical sensor providing backup detection capability without interfering with the electrical interface operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical sensor serves multiple functions: it detects cartridge presence, confirms proper installation, and provides backup detection when electrical connection fails. This multi-functionality increases the detection capability without requiring a completely separate detection system, thereby managing complexity effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the use of the printing fluid cartridge when electrical connection issues occur, preventing ink wastage by allowing detection through the light attenuating portion, ensuring the cartridge can be recognized and utilized despite connection failures.

Implementation Method 1

a light attenuating portion configured to attenuate light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10220630B2Printing fluid cartridge, printing apparatus, and use of printing fluid cartridge

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A printing fluid cartridge includes at least one electrical interface configured to be electrically connected to at least one contact, and a light attenuating portion configured to attenuate light.