Fluorescent Inkjet Makeup Fluid Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid-level detection techniques in inkjet printers face errors due to mechanical friction and material degradation over time, affecting accurate detection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fluorescent color material and a light-emitting element into the makeup fluid tank, which emits visible light when irradiated, allowing a light-receiving element to detect the liquid level accurately, reducing errors caused by mechanical friction and material degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a float and reed switch mechanism is used for liquid-level detection, then the detection method is simple and inexpensive, but mechanical friction and material degradation cause detection errors over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float-reed switch detection system with an optical detection system using a light emitting element and light receiving element. This substitution eliminates mechanical friction and contact wear, thereby maintaining detection accuracy over long-term use while preserving relative simplicity of the detection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) as the detection medium between the liquid level and the sensing element. The light emitting element projects light through the liquid, and the light receiving element detects the light intensity variations caused by the liquid level, providing a non-contact detection method that avoids mechanical degradation.
2Reliability
If optical prisms are used for fluid level sensing, then detection can be performed without mechanical contact, but the system requires precise optical alignment and additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential optical detection function from complex optical prism systems and implements it using simpler light emitting and light receiving elements. By removing unnecessary optical components and focusing on the core light transmission principle, the system achieves reliable detection with reduced complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using direct light transmission through the liquid rather than reflection from prisms. This parameter change simplifies the optical path and reduces the number of components required while maintaining detection 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
Enables high-accuracy liquid-level detection in inkjet printers by using a fluorescent color material and light-emitting elements to detect the presence and level of the makeup fluid, preventing errors from mechanical friction and material degradation.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a fluorescent color material and a light-emitting element into the makeup fluid tank, which emits visible light when irradiated
Data Source
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AI summary
A makeup fluid added to an ink liquid of an inkjet printer to reduce the viscosity of the ink liquid, the makeup fluid including a fluorescent color material in a solvent. An inkjet printer apparatus employing a makeup fluid is provided with a makeup fluid tank (101) to which a light-emitting element (102) and a light-receiving element (103) are attached, and detects the presence or absence of the makeup fluid by irradiating ultraviolet light (121) from the light-emitting element (102), causing visible light (122) to be emitted from the fluorescent color material in the makeup fluid, and detecting the visible light (122) with the light-receiving element (103).