Ink Cartridge Light-Shielding Parts for Mounting Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording devices face challenges in accurately detecting whether an ink cartridge is mounted, especially when it is empty, due to similarities in detection waveforms between mounting and removing an empty cartridge, leading to unreliable data display on the user interface.
Innovation Solution
The ink cartridge incorporates two light-shielding parts with different lengths that block light from the optical detecting unit in a specific order during mounting and removal, generating distinct waveforms to differentiate between these operations, ensuring accurate detection by the control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light-shielding part is used for detecting cartridge mounting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of detecting whether the cartridge is mounted or removed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light-shielding member is divided into multiple light-shielding parts (first light-shielding part and second light-shielding part) with different lengths in the mounting direction. This segmentation allows each part to contribute differently to the detection waveform, enabling the system to distinguish between mounting and removal operations based on the sequence and duration of light blocking events.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light-shielding part remains between the light-emitting element and light-receiving element after mounting, then residual ink detection is enabled, but the reliability of cartridge mounting detection deteriorates due to similar waveforms
Solution Approach 1:
The first light-shielding part is designed to block light during the mounting process before the cartridge is fully installed, creating a preliminary detection signal. The second light-shielding part then provides continuous blocking after mounting to indicate residual ink levels. This preliminary action allows the system to distinguish mounting events from removal events based on the temporal sequence of light blocking.
3Ease of operation
If an empty cartridge is mounted, then the light-shielding part blocks light similarly to when a full cartridge is mounted, but the control unit cannot correctly determine mounting status
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system uses periodic monitoring of light blocking events with distinct temporal patterns. During mounting, the first light-shielding part creates an initial blocking period, followed by the second light-shielding part maintaining blocking. This periodic detection with varying durations allows the control unit to distinguish between empty and full cartridges based on the waveform characteristics.
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 allows the control unit to correctly determine whether the ink cartridge is mounted or removed, providing reliable information on the user interface and preventing incorrect detection of empty cartridges.
Implementation Method 1
the light-shielding part blocks light emitted from the light-emitting element of the photosensor while passing between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element
Data Source
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AI summary
An ink cartridge (4) includes a cartridge main body (20), an ink-outputting section (31), and at least two first light-shielding parts (65, 66). The cartridge main body has an ink accommodating chamber (40) accommodating ink therein. The ink-outputting section that outputs the ink in the ink accommodating chamber. The at least two first light-shielding parts are juxtaposed in the prescribed mounting direction at a prescribed interval and that are incapable of moving relative to the cartridge main body. Lengths in the prescribed mounting direction of the at least two first light-shielding parts are different from one another.