Float Luminous Surface for Ink Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face difficulties in visually determining the liquid level in the liquid storage portion due to inadequate illumination, making it hard to recognize the ink level accurately.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus and liquid accommodation body with a float that floats on the liquid and moves with the liquid surface, featuring a light emitting surface that becomes luminous when illuminated, allowing for visual checking of the liquid level through a transparent or translucent region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the liquid storage portion is illuminated by the light emitting unit, then the visibility of the liquid storage portion is improved, but the liquid level of the ink remains difficult to recognize
Solution Approach 1:
The float is configured to change its optical properties based on its position relative to the liquid level. When the float is at a specific position (indicating low liquid level), it reflects or transmits light in a way that creates a visually distinct appearance, allowing users to easily recognize the liquid level status through color or brightness changes
Solution Approach 2:
The float acts as an intermediary element between the liquid level and the user's visual detection. It translates the liquid level information into a visually detectable signal by interacting with the illumination from the light emitting unit, making the liquid level easily recognizable without directly observing the liquid itself
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a float is added to indicate liquid level, then the liquid level detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float is designed to automatically indicate the liquid level through its own position and optical properties without requiring external power sources, complex sensors, or additional actuation mechanisms. The float's buoyancy naturally positions it according to the liquid level, and its interaction with the existing light emitting unit provides the detection signal
Solution Approach 2:
The float serves multiple functions: it indicates the liquid level, interacts with the illumination system to provide visual feedback, and maintains structural integrity within the liquid storage portion. By combining these functions into a single simple component, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving effective liquid level detection
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
Facilitates easy visualization of the liquid level by making the float appear luminous when viewed from a specific direction, enhancing user convenience and accuracy in determining when the liquid needs refilling.
Implementation Method 1
a float (48) configured to float on the liquid in the liquid storage portion and to move according to movement of a liquid surface while maintaining a posture
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting unit configured to emit light, wherein the float has a light emitting surface that by receiving light from the light emitting unit, appears luminous when viewed from a direction facing the visual check surface
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus 101 includes a liquid storage portion 46 configured to store liquid, a recording head 22 that ejects liquid supplied from the liquid storage portion 46 onto the medium, and a light emitting unit 301 configured to emit light, wherein the liquid storage portion 46 has a float 48 configured to float on liquid in the liquid storage portion 46 and to move according to movement of liquid surface LS while maintaining a posture, and a front surface 43F in which the liquid in the liquid storage portion 46 is visually checkable from outside the liquid storage portion 46, wherein the float 48 has a front surface 48a that by receiving the light from the light emitting unit 301, appears luminous when viewed from a direction facing the front surface 43F.