Ink Cartridge Float Detection for Horizontal Printer Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink cartridges that detect ink levels using floats and optical sensors require additional space for float positioning, limiting printer design and efficiency, especially when installed horizontally.
Innovation Solution
An ink cartridge design with a translucent portion and a movable float that changes position based on ink levels, allowing for horizontal installation and detection of insufficient ink without requiring upper space, using a unique configuration of case components and optical sensor placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the ink cartridge is installed horizontally with the flow outlet on the front surface, then the printer space is saved and devices can be overlaid vertically, but the float positioning requires additional space that conflicts with the horizontal installation layout
Solution Approach 1:
The float detection system transitions from a vertical arrangement (requiring upper printer space) to a horizontal arrangement aligned with the ink cartridge's insertion direction. The optical sensor and float are positioned such that the detection path extends horizontally through the ink cartridge body, enabling space-efficient horizontal installation while maintaining effective ink level detection
2Measurement precision
If the optical sensor is positioned to detect the float on the bottom side of the ink cartridge, then ink level detection is achieved, but the printer size increases due to the need for upper side access space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the optical sensor on the bottom side of the ink cartridge (requiring upper printer access), the detection system is inverted to use the front surface of the ink cartridge in the insertion direction. The optical sensor detects the float through the front surface, eliminating the need for upper printer space while maintaining accurate ink level measurement
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 reduced printer size by allowing horizontal ink cartridge installation while maintaining effective ink level detection, preventing incorrect installation and ensuring efficient ink usage.
Implementation Method 1
a float portion disposed within the ink chamber, and the float portion is configured to move between a first position and a second position based at least on an amount of ink disposed within the ink chamber
Implementation Method 2
a known printer may comprise an optical sensor positioned in the printer on the bottom side of the ink cartridge. In operation, by detecting the presence of the float on the bottom side of the ink cartridge using the optical sensor, it is possible to detect whether the ink within the ink cartridge has been reduced
Data Source
AI summary
An ink cartridge includes a movable member which includes a signal blocking portion disposed within an inner space of a translucent portion, and a float portion disposed within an ink chamber. The float portion is configured to move between a first position and a second position based at least on an amount of ink disposed within the ink chamber. Specifically, as the ink within the ink chamber is dispensed from the interior of the ink chamber to the exterior of the ink chamber a surface of the ink within the ink chamber moves in a first predetermined direction. Moreover, when the float portion moves from the first position to the second position each of the float portion and the signal blocking portion moves in a second predetermined direction which is slanted with respect to the first predetermined direction.