Ink Cartridge Detection Section Positioning for Precision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink cartridges face precision issues in detecting remaining ink due to individual differences in dimensions and mounting positions, leading to inclination and reduced detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The ink cartridge design features a detection section positioned closer to the pressing side, with an abutting section acting as the center of rotation, and an ink supply port positioned on the opposite side for stabilization, along with a light-absorbing abutting section to minimize reflection and improve detection precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detection section is positioned far from the center of rotation, then the detection section can be located at a convenient position for optical detection, but the ink inclination increases and detection precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The abutting section is pre-positioned at a specific location on the third surface to serve as the center of rotation. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the ink cartridge is mounted, the rotation center is predetermined, allowing the detection section to be optimally positioned relative to it. The preliminary arrangement of the abutting section prevents ink inclination by establishing a stable rotation center before the cartridge is fully installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutting section acts as an intermediary element between the holder and the ink cartridge. It mediates the mounting process by providing a designated contact point that becomes the center of rotation. This intermediary structure ensures that even when there are individual differences in cartridge dimensions or mounting positions, the rotation center remains consistent, thereby maintaining detection precision while allowing the detection section to be positioned at an optimal location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual differences in outer dimensions and mounting positions exist, then manufacturing tolerance and assembly variability are accommodated, but the ink cartridge rotates and ink inclination occurs reducing detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The abutting section is designed to automatically become the center of rotation through the mounting process itself. When the ink cartridge is inserted into the holder, the abutting section naturally contacts the holder's mounting surface first, establishing the rotation center without requiring additional adjustment or alignment mechanisms. This self-service design allows the system to accommodate individual differences in cartridge dimensions while maintaining consistent detection precision.
3Measurement precision
If the detection section is positioned near the second surface side, then ink inclination is reduced and detection precision is improved, but the structural layout becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The detection section is deliberately positioned asymmetrically on the third surface, closer to the second surface side rather than at the center or toward the first surface side. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the detection geometry by reducing the moment arm of ink inclination. The abutting section is positioned to create an asymmetric rotation center that works in conjunction with the detection section's location, achieving improved detection precision while maintaining a relatively simple structural layout through purposeful asymmetric design rather than complex symmetric constraints.
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 reduces ink inclination and enhances the accuracy of remaining ink detection, maintaining the cartridge's posture and preventing contact defects, thereby ensuring reliable ink supply and printer operation.
Implementation Method 1
a detection section which is used for optically detecting the remaining state of ink which is contained in the ink cartridge
Implementation Method 2
an ink supply port which is positioned near to the first surface side and which receives or abuts against an ink supply section such as an ink supply needle which is provided in the holder, and an abutting section which abuts against the holder, wherein the abutting section is formed by a member which absorbs light
Data Source
AI summary
An ink cartridge is adapted to be mounted in a holder of a printer, and includes first to third surfaces and a pressing section. The first and second surfaces face each other. The third surface has first and second end sections respectively adjacent to the first and second surfaces. The pressing section presses the ink cartridge to a second surface side when the ink cartridge is mounted in the holder. The third surface has a detection section which optically detects a remaining state of ink in the ink cartridge, and an abutting section which abuts against the holder. A distance between the detection section and the second end section is shorter than a distance between the detection section and the first end section in the third surface, and the abutting section is positioned between the detection section and the second end section.