Flat-Cable Ink Leakage Detection for Compact Printer Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing ink leakage detection mechanisms in printers require significant space due to wiring connections between multiple ink detection units and the control unit, leading to inefficiencies in printer design.

Innovation Solution

A liquid leakage detection device using a multi-core flat cable with exposed conductor portions as electrode terminals and a detection circuit to detect potential differences, reducing the need for individual wiring and allowing for compact ink detection units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If individual wiring is used to couple each ink detection unit to the control unit, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the space occupied by wiring increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink leakage detection accuracyVSAvoidspace occupied by wiring

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple ink detection units and their associated wiring into a single integrated ink detection sheet. The detection units are arranged in an array on the sheet, with shared signal lines and power supply lines that serve multiple detection points simultaneously. This merging approach maintains the detection capability of multiple units while dramatically reducing the total wiring space required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ink detection sheet employs universal signal lines and power supply lines that serve multiple ink detection units simultaneously. Rather than dedicating separate wiring to each detection unit, the same conductive pathways are shared across the array of detection units, enabling a single structure to perform multiple detection functions with minimal wiring overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ink detection units are provided at different locations, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ink detection sheet is segmented into multiple independent detection units arranged in an array, each capable of detecting ink leakage at its specific location. The sheet can be divided into first and second regions with different detection units, allowing comprehensive coverage of various ink leakage scenarios while maintaining a modular, manageable structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple detection units are merged into a single flexible sheet structure with shared conductive pathways. The signal lines and power supply lines are common to multiple detection units, reducing the overall wiring complexity while maintaining the ability to detect ink leakage at multiple locations simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If a multi-core flat cable is used for electrode terminals, then the space efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical wiring connections with a printed circuit sheet approach. The signal lines and power supply lines are formed by printing conductive materials onto the flexible substrate, eliminating the need for separate multi-core flat cables and manual wiring connections. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process while achieving high space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and form of the conductive pathways from discrete wired connections to printed conductive patterns on a flexible substrate. This parameter change from mechanical wiring to printed electronics enables easier manufacturing through printing processes while maintaining compact space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 minimizes space occupancy, enhances space efficiency, and facilitates easy integration into various printing apparatuses while maintaining accurate ink leakage detection.

Implementation Method 1

a detection circuit configured to detect that a liquid leaks by detecting that a potential difference between the pair of electrode terminals is less than a threshold defined in advance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260029292A1Liquid leakage detection device and ink jet recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid leakage detection device provided inside an ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink detection unit configured with, as a pair of electrode terminals, an exposed conductor portion of a first core included in a multi-core flat cable and an exposed conductor portion of a second core included in the multi-core flat cable; and a detection circuit configured to detect that a liquid leaks by detecting that a potential difference between the pair of electrode terminals is less than a threshold defined in advance.