Flexible Substrate Electrode Segmentation for Ink Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage devices lack accuracy in detecting the storage amount of objects, particularly in liquid ejection apparatuses like ink jet printers, where precise detection of ink levels is crucial for optimal performance and preventing ink depletion.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a flexible printed substrate configuration, including non-conductive cover film layers, conductive conductor layers, and constant voltage wiring, which includes electrodes and shield wirings to accurately detect the liquid level by measuring capacitance changes, enhancing detection accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a simple remaining amount detection sensor with single detection electrode is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of storage amount is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection electrode is segmented into multiple separate detection electrodes (first detection electrode and second detection electrode) positioned at different locations within the storage section. This segmentation allows independent measurement of liquid levels at different positions, improving measurement precision by providing multiple data points for analysis while maintaining relatively simple individual electrode structures.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective wiring layer is introduced as an intermediary element between the detection electrodes and the outer environment. This protective wiring layer serves as a shield that reduces interference from external electromagnetic fields and improves signal stability, thereby enhancing measurement precision without requiring complex shielding structures throughout the entire device.
2Measurement precision
If detection electrodes are added to improve measurement precision, then measurement precision improves, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to potential interference
Solution Approach 1:
The protective wiring layer acts as an intermediary shield between the detection electrodes and external interference sources. This layer blocks harmful electromagnetic fields from directly affecting the detection electrodes, reducing noise and interference in the detection signals while allowing the electrodes to maintain their improved precision through multi-point measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful electromagnetic interference is extracted and isolated from the detection system by introducing the protective wiring layer. This separates the detection function from the interference field, allowing the detection electrodes to operate with higher precision without being directly exposed to harmful external fields.
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 improves the detection accuracy of the storage amount, allowing for precise monitoring of ink levels, reducing the risk of ink depletion, and ensuring consistent printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
The remaining amount detection sensor detects the remaining amount of the contents of the container based on a capacitance measured by the detection electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a storage section including a plurality of walls and storing an object in a space surrounded by the walls; and a flexible printed substrate including a non-conductive first cover film layer, a non-conductive second cover film layer, a non-conductive base material layer provided between the first cover film layer and the second cover film layer, a conductive first conductor layer provided between the first cover film layer and the base material layer, and a conductive second conductor layer provided between the second cover film layer and the base material layer, in which the first cover film layer is provided between the second cover film layer and the storage section, the first conductor layer includes a first electrode provided in a first wall and a second electrode provided in a second wall, and the second conductor layer includes a constant voltage wiring held at a constant voltage.