Ink Cartridge Horizontal Installation with Optical Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink cartridges that detect ink levels using floats and optical sensors require upper access for installation, limiting printer design and space utilization, as they need to be inserted vertically and lack efficient horizontal installation with ink level detection.
Innovation Solution
The design of an ink cartridge with a movable member that includes a signal blocking portion and a float portion, which moves along a guide based on ink levels, allowing for horizontal installation and detection without requiring upper access, utilizing a translucent portion and a communication path that aligns with the printer's optical sensor for ink level monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the ink cartridge is installed from the horizontal direction, then the space on the upper side of the printer is effectively used and devices can be overlayed vertically, but the ink level detection mechanism becomes difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection dimension by positioning the optical sensor on the front surface of the ink cartridge (in the insertion direction) rather than on the bottom surface. This allows the sensor to detect ink level through light transmission across the front surface, enabling horizontal installation while maintaining effective ink level detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If the float is positioned to detect ink level on the bottom side, then ink level detection is accurate, but upper access is required for installation which limits printer design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional detection arrangement by moving the optical sensor from the bottom surface to the front surface of the ink cartridge. This inversion allows the sensor to detect ink level through light transmission across the front surface, eliminating the need for upper access during installation while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If the communication path is formed in the ink cartridge for horizontal installation, then the ink cartridge can be inserted from the horizontal direction without upper access, but the float detection mechanism may interfere with the communication path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the float portion translucent rather than completely opaque. This allows the float to block light for detection purposes while still permitting partial light transmission, ensuring that the communication path remains functional and signal transmission reliability is maintained during horizontal installation.
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 installation of ink cartridges while maintaining effective ink level detection, preventing interference with the communication path and ensuring efficient ink supply and air intake mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a movable member, in which at least a portion of the movable member is disposed within the ink chamber. The moveable member comprises a signal blocking portion, and a float portion
Implementation Method 2
The ink cartridge also comprises at least one guide, and the movable member 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
Data Source
AI summary
An ink cartridge includes an ink chamber, and a movable member disposed within the ink chamber. The movable member includes a signal blocking portion, and a float portion. The ink cartridge also includes a guide, and the movable member 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. Moreover, when the moveable member moves from the first position to the second position the moveable member slides along the guide.