Flexible Printed Substrate Layout for Accurate Liquid Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for detecting the remaining amount of an object in a container result in varying signal levels between detection electrodes at the end and central portions, leading to inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus and storage device utilizing a flexible printed substrate with specific wiring configurations, including input and detection electrodes, where the overlapping areas of these electrodes are differently sized to ensure consistent signal levels for accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection electrodes are arranged at different positions (end and central portions) in the storage section, then the detection coverage is improved, but the signal level varies between electrodes leading to detection inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the overlapping area between the input electrode and central detection electrode larger than the overlapping area between the input electrode and end detection electrodes. This creates a differentiated electrode structure where the central detection electrode has enhanced coupling with the input electrode, compensating for its position advantage and balancing the signal levels across all detection electrodes regardless of their location in the storage section.
2Reliability
If the overlapping area between input electrode and detection electrode is increased, then the signal level is improved, but the electrode structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly increasing all overlapping areas, the patent selectively increases only the overlapping area between the input electrode and the central detection electrode. This localized modification achieves signal level balancing without requiring a complete redesign of the entire electrode structure, thus minimizing added complexity while improving reliability.
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 ensures consistent and accurate detection of the remaining liquid amount by minimizing variations in signal levels, enhancing the precision of liquid discharge control.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible printed substrate for detecting a remaining amount of the liquid in the storage section, in which the flexible printed substrate includes a first wiring portion having an input electrode provided on the first surface, and a second wiring portion having a first detection electrode provided on the second surface
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a storage section that stores a liquid between a first surface and a second surface, and a flexible printed substrate for detecting a remaining amount of the liquid in the storage section, in which the flexible printed substrate includes a first wiring portion having an input electrode provided on the first surface, a first detection electrode provided on the second surface, and a second wiring portion having a second detection electrode provided on the second surface and a third detection electrode provided on the second surface, and an area of a first region of the input electrode overlapping the first detection electrode is smaller than an area of a second region of the input electrode overlapping the second detection electrode, and an area of a third region of the input electrode overlapping the third detection electrode is smaller than the area of the second region.