Ink Cartridge Adaptor for Real-Time Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink cartridge systems fail to update or renew information about ink levels and usage when the cartridge is replaced, leading to inefficiencies in ink management and potential misalignment of ink colors during printing.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an ink cartridge with a residual amount detection portion and a light attenuating portion, along with an adaptor that includes an electrical interface, allowing for the detection of ink levels and updating of information, ensuring accurate ink management and color alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the memory module is provided on the adaptor and the ink cartridge is removed while the adaptor remains in the mounting portion, then the data stored in the memory module is not renewed or updated when the ink cartridge is replaced, but this allows the adaptor to retain information about previous cartridges
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate functional components: the ink cartridge (which contains the ink chamber and can be removed) and the adaptor (which contains the memory module and remains in the mounting portion). This segmentation allows the information storage function to be separated from the ink supply function, enabling continuous tracking of ink usage across multiple cartridges while maintaining a simple replacement process for users.
2Measurement precision
If an ink detecting portion is added to detect ink levels in real-time, then ink management accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical ink level detection mechanisms with an optical detection system. The ink detecting portion uses light transmission properties to sense ink levels, substituting mechanical sensors with optical sensors that provide more precise measurement with fewer moving parts and less mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor serves as an intermediary component that houses the ink detecting portion and memory module. This intermediary structure allows the detection and information storage functions to be separated from the ink cartridge itself, reducing the complexity of the replaceable cartridge while maintaining advanced detection capabilities in the permanent adaptor component.
3Measurement precision
If a light attenuating portion is added to work with the optical sensor, then ink level measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light attenuating portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it attenuates light for optical sensor detection, provides structural support within the ink chamber, and can be integrated with the ink outlet portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the added detection capability.
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 solution enables real-time ink level detection and information updating, optimizing ink usage and ensuring correct color alignment during printing, reducing waste and improving printing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light attenuating portion protruding from the first surface
Data Source
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AI summary
An ink containing device includes an ink cartridge and an adaptor. The ink cartridge comprises a first main body comprising a chamber configured to store ink, and an ink outlet portion disposed on a first surface of the first main body configured to direct the ink from the chamber to an exterior of the first main body, and an ink detecting portion configured to detect an amount of the ink stored in the ink chamber. The adaptor is configured to attach to the ink cartridge. The adaptor comprises a second main body comprising a second surface, and an electrical interface disposed on the second surface.