Single Electrode Bar Layout for Conductive Ink Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid storage apparatuses face challenges in efficiently detecting the remaining amount of conductive liquid, such as ink, due to the complexity of installing multiple electrode pins, which complicates manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus and storage apparatus with a single electrode bar inside the container, featuring a first and second terminal separated by insulating sections, allows for detecting the liquid level based on electrical coupling through the liquid, enabling accurate detection of remaining liquid amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two electrode pins are installed inside the container to detect liquid remaining amount, then the detection function is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases and manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate electrode pins into a single electrode bar structure. The electrode bar includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and an insulating section that electrically insulates the first terminal from the second terminal. This merging maintains the detection functionality while simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the number of components to be installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode bar serves multiple functions: it provides electrical coupling detection between terminals, maintains electrical insulation where needed, and enables liquid level detection. The insulating section on the electrode bar allows different sections to perform different functions (conductive sections for detection, insulating section for isolation), making the single component multi-functional.
2Measurement precision
If two electrode pins are installed inside the container to detect liquid remaining amount, then the detection function is achieved, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate electrode pins into a single electrode bar structure. The electrode bar includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and an insulating section that electrically insulates the first terminal from the second terminal. This merging maintains the detection functionality while simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the number of components to be installed.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single electrode bar with insulating section is used instead of two electrode pins, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the detection accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode bar is segmented into different functional sections: a first terminal section, a second terminal section, and an insulating section in between. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function while maintaining overall detection accuracy. The insulating section ensures proper electrical isolation, enabling accurate detection of liquid levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode bar serves multiple functions: it provides electrical coupling detection between terminals, maintains electrical insulation where needed, and enables liquid level detection. The insulating section on the electrode bar allows different sections to perform different functions (conductive sections for detection, insulating section for isolation), making the single component multi-functional.
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 configuration simplifies manufacturing and enhances the accuracy of liquid detection, allowing for precise monitoring of liquid levels and reducing manufacturing time and effort.
Implementation Method 1
a detection section that detects a remaining amount of liquid contained in the container in accordance with an electrical signal from at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal, wherein the remaining amount of liquid detected by the detection section when the first terminal is electrically coupled to the second terminal via the liquid in the container
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a container that contains a liquid having conductivity; an electrode bar that is disposed inside the container and that includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a first insulating section that electrically insulates the first terminal from the second terminal; a detection section that detects a remaining amount of liquid contained in the container in accordance with an electrical signal from at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal; and a liquid ejection head that discharges the liquid supplied from the container. The remaining amount of liquid detected by the detection section when the first terminal is electrically coupled to the second terminal via the liquid in the container is larger than the remaining amount of liquid detected by the detection section when the first terminal is not electrically coupled to the second terminal via the liquid in the container.