Ink Cartridge Installation Detection via Optical Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ink cartridges for inkjet printers require strict actual inspection during installation, leading to issues with fast installation speeds causing incorrect identification and increased costs due to high-cost integrated circuits and electronic waste, as well as inaccurate remaining ink amount detection due to sensitivity from ink surface bubbles.
Innovation Solution
An ink cartridge with an installation detection component featuring a controller, connecting circuit, and light-emitting portion that automatically controls light emission for successful installation detection, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) for reduced space occupation and improved detection accuracy, along with a deformable film for remaining ink amount detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an integrated circuit and piezoelectric sensor are used for ink cartridge information detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but cost increases and electronic waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the printer body and relocates it to the ink cartridge itself through a light-emitting component. This allows the printer to detect cartridge installation status without requiring complex integrated circuits or sensors in the printer, thereby reducing electronic waste while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical signal copying instead of direct electrical connection. The light-emitting component in the cartridge creates an optical copy of the installation status, which the printer detects non-contactly. This eliminates the need for expensive integrated circuits and piezoelectric sensors while achieving accurate detection.
2Measurement precision
If strict actual inspection is performed during ink cartridge installation, then identification accuracy is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the light-emitting component in the ink cartridge automatically emit optical signals upon installation. This eliminates the need for strict actual inspection during installation, as the system proactively provides detection information, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink cartridge performs self-detection through its built-in light-emitting component that automatically emits optical signals when installed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the printer to conduct strict actual inspection, thereby reducing installation time while ensuring accurate identification.
3Productivity
If users install ink cartridge too fast, then installation speed is improved, but detection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting component emits optical signals immediately upon cartridge installation, before the printer completes its inspection cycle. This preliminary action ensures that detection information is available regardless of installation speed, maintaining detection reliability even when users install cartridges quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback through optical signals from the light-emitting component as soon as the cartridge is installed. This continuous feedback mechanism ensures the printer can reliably detect installation status regardless of how fast the user installs the cartridge, thereby maintaining detection reliability while allowing high installation speeds.
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
The solution allows for simplified installation detection without strict printer inspection, reduces electronic waste and costs, and enhances the accuracy of remaining ink amount detection, ensuring correct cartridge identification and efficient ink usage.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting portion (26) connected with the controller through the connecting circuit (9)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an ink cartridge for an inkjet printer, which comprises: an ink reservoir for storing ink, an ink outlet for supplying ink to the printer, and an installation detection component which is coordinated with the printer to detect whether the ink cartridge is successfully installed. The installation detection component includes a controller, a connecting circuit and a light-emitting portion connected with the controller through the connecting circuit. The controller is configured to control the light-emitting portion to emit light which will be received by sensors of the printer to determine whether the installation is successful, and controls the light-emitting portion automatically. The ink cartridge for the inkjet printer provided by the present invention solves the technical problem that the installation of the traditional ink cartridge must undergo strict actual inspection of a printer installation program.