Ink Cartridge Detection Section for Accurate Optical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ink cartridge installation process in image recording devices faces challenges in accurately detecting the ink cartridge's detection area due to user-induced acceleration, which can lead to incorrect sensing of the ink cartridge's type and ink level, especially when inserted quickly.
Innovation Solution
The ink cartridge design includes a detection section with a sensor arm and an ink supply portion that uses a coil spring to control the installation speed and ensure accurate detection by the optical sensor, allowing for precise light transmission status detection and ink supply management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the user inserts the ink cartridge quickly into the cartridge installation portion, then the installation speed is improved, but the sensor cannot accurately detect the detection area of the ink cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The ink cartridge is designed with a detection section that performs detection-related actions before the final installation position is reached. The detection area is positioned to be detectable during the insertion process, allowing the sensor to capture detection information before high-speed insertion completes the installation, thus ensuring accurate detection regardless of insertion speed.
Solution Approach 2:
A detection section is introduced as an intermediary element between the ink cartridge body and the sensor. This detection section includes a detection area with specific optical properties that mediates the interaction between the ink cartridge and the sensor, enabling reliable detection even during quick insertion by providing a dedicated detection interface.
2Length of moving object
If the detection area has a smaller dimension in the installation direction, then the ink cartridge size is reduced, but the sensor has more difficulty detecting the detection area due to speed-dependent detection
Solution Approach 1:
The detection section is designed with localized optical properties that enhance detectability. The detection area has specific light transmission characteristics that differ from other parts of the ink cartridge, creating a localized detection signature that the sensor can reliably identify regardless of the small physical dimension or insertion speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection area utilizes optical property changes (analogous to color changes) to provide detectable signals. The detection area is configured to transmit or block light in specific patterns that create a distinguishable signal for the sensor, enabling reliable detection even when the detection area is small in dimension.
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 controlled installation speed and accurate detection of the ink cartridge, ensuring reliable ink level monitoring and type identification, thereby improving the overall efficiency and accuracy of the ink management system.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor 114... capable of detecting a light transmission status through the detection section
Implementation Method 2
a coil spring 73 that biases the ink supply valve body 74 in a direction to close the ink outlet port 71
Data Source
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AI summary
An ink supplying apparatus is provided with a cartridge installation portion into which an ink cartridge is detachably loadable in an installation direction. The ink cartridge includes: a cartridge body having a front wall which is a leading side in the installation direction and defining therein an ink chamber in which ink is accommodated, the cartridge body having a height in a first direction perpendicular to the installation direction; an ink outlet port provided on the front wall for supplying the ink in the ink chamber to an outside; and a detection region provided at a position rearward of the ink outlet port in the installation direction and at a position different from the ink outlet port in the first direction, the detection region being defined by a first surface generally extending in the first direction and a second surface generally extending in the first direction and aligned with the first surface in the installation direction, The cartridge installation portion includes: a guide portion slidably movably guiding the cartridge body in the installation direction when the ink cartridge is loaded into the cartridge installation portion; an ink needle insertable into the ink outlet port when the cartridge body is silidingly guided along the guide portion; an optical sensor provided to be in coincident with the detection region in the installation direction upon insertion of the ink needle into the ink outlet port, the detection region capable of altering an optical characteristic of light emitted from the optical sensor in the installation direction during loading of the ink cartridge into the cartridge installation portion, the optical sensor outputting optical information based on the optical characteristic of the light altered at the detection region; and a control unit configured to determine information on the ink cartridge in accordance with the optical information outputted from the optical sensor.