Flexible Printed Substrate Positioning 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 systems like ink jet printers, where precise measurement of ink levels is crucial for optimal performance and preventing ink depletion.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a flexible printed substrate featuring a first and second electrode, wiring, and positioning portions is integrated into the storage section, allowing for accurate detection of liquid levels through capacitance measurement, even when the tank is inclined.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a flexible printed substrate without positioning portions is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of storage amount detection deteriorates due to position deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed substrate includes positioning portions that automatically align with corresponding positioning portions on the storage section during assembly. This self-alignment mechanism ensures accurate positioning of the electrodes relative to the storage space without requiring complex external positioning devices or additional adjustment steps, thereby maintaining measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning portions are pre-formed on both the flexible printed substrate and the storage section before assembly. This preliminary preparation of positioning features ensures that when the components are assembled, the electrodes are automatically positioned at the correct locations for accurate storage amount detection, eliminating the need for post-assembly positioning adjustments
2Ease of manufacture
If electrode positioning is not precisely controlled, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the measurement precision of storage amount detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning portions on the flexible printed substrate and storage section create a self-aligning assembly system. During manufacturing, the components naturally guide themselves into the correct relative positions through the engagement of positioning portions, eliminating the need for complex positioning fixtures or skilled manual alignment, thus maintaining both ease of manufacture and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning portions are incorporated into the design of the flexible printed substrate and storage section before the assembly process. This preliminary inclusion of positioning features ensures that standard assembly procedures can achieve precise electrode positioning without requiring special manufacturing techniques or additional quality control steps
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 enhances detection accuracy and prevents ink depletion by reliably measuring the remaining ink amount, ensuring continuous printing operations.
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 plurality of walls; and a flexible printed substrate fixed to the storage section, in which the storage section includes a first positioning portion, and the flexible printed substrate includes a first electrode provided in a first wall among the plurality of walls, a second electrode provided in a second wall among the plurality of walls, a first wiring coupled to the first electrode, a second wiring coupled to the second electrode, and a second positioning portion that is coupled to the first positioning portion to determine a position of the flexible printed substrate.