Liquid Level Electrode Geometry for Precise Conductive Ink 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 utilize rod-shaped electrodes with varying outer peripheries and lengths, coupled through conductive liquid, to enhance the detection of remaining liquid levels by exploiting significant changes in resistance values based on liquid level distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two rod-shaped electrode pins with substantially uniform thicknesses are used to detect remaining liquid amount, then the detection structure is simple, but the amount of change in resistance value is small making it difficult to accurately detect liquid level
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrode is designed with non-uniform cross-sectional area along its length, creating different local properties. The electrode includes a first portion and a second portion with different cross-sectional areas, allowing different sections to contribute differently to the resistance measurement based on liquid level, thereby enhancing detection precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure parameters are changed by varying the cross-sectional area along the length of the first electrode. This parameter variation creates a more sensitive resistance response to liquid level changes, as the effective resistance path changes more dramatically with liquid level compared to uniform electrodes
2Quantity of substance
If electrode pins with uniform thickness are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the resistance value change amount is small compared to liquid remaining amount change
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrode incorporates local quality variations through its non-uniform cross-sectional area. Different portions of the electrode have different thicknesses, creating distinct resistance characteristics that amplify the overall resistance change response to liquid level changes, while still allowing for practical manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The first electrode is segmented into distinct portions (first portion and second portion) with different cross-sectional areas. This segmentation allows each portion to contribute differently to the total resistance measurement, creating a more pronounced resistance change signal that better reflects the liquid remaining amount
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 provides precise detection of liquid levels, enabling timely notifications of low liquid states, ensuring consistent operation of the liquid discharging apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
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
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharging apparatus includes an accommodating container accommodating conductive liquid, a rod-shaped first electrode accommodated in the accommodating container, a rod-shaped 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 having an outer periphery with a first length, and a second part having an outer periphery with a second length that is shorter than the first length.