Conductive-Liquid Reservoir Electrode Geometry for Precise Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for detecting the remaining amount of conductive liquid in an accommodating container face challenges due to small changes in resistance values, making it difficult to accurately determine the liquid level.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharging apparatus and accommodating device with electrodes having varying distances between electrode parts, allowing for greater changes in resistance values with liquid level changes, enabling precise detection through an ink amount detection circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two rod-shaped electrode pins are provided substantially parallel to each other in the accommodating container, then the remaining amount of liquid can be detected based on resistance value, but the amount of change in resistance value is small compared to the amount of change in remaining liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrode is designed with non-uniform diameter along its length, creating different local electrical characteristics. The first portion has a different diameter than the second portion, which results in different resistance contributions at different liquid levels. This local variation in electrode geometry amplifies the resistance change signal corresponding to liquid level changes, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring larger electrode dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the electrode (diameter) along its length to optimize the detection function. By varying the diameter of the first electrode from its first end to its second end, the electrical resistance characteristics change in response to liquid level changes, producing a more significant resistance value change that correlates with the remaining liquid amount, thus improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If the first electrode has a uniform diameter throughout its length, then the structure is simple, but the resistance value change does not sufficiently reflect the liquid level change
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrode incorporates local quality variation through its non-uniform diameter profile. Specifically, the first portion of the first electrode has a different diameter than the second portion, creating distinct electrical characteristics at different positions. This localized structural differentiation enhances the resistance response to liquid level changes while maintaining a relatively simple overall electrode design that can be manufactured using conventional techniques.
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
Accurate detection of remaining liquid levels, facilitating timely notification of low liquid states and ensuring continuous operation of the liquid discharging apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a remaining amount of liquid in an accommodating container based on a resistance value between two rod-shaped electrode pins
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharging apparatus includes an accommodating container accommodating conductive liquid, a first electrode accommodated in the accommodating container, a second electrode accommodated in the accommodating container, a detection portion that is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode and that detects a remaining amount of the liquid accommodated in the accommodating container in response to an electric signal from at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, and a liquid discharging head discharging the liquid that is supplied from the accommodating container, in which the first electrode includes a first part where a distance between the first part and the second electrode is a first distance, and a second part where a distance between the second part and the second electrode is a second distance that is longer than the first distance.