Ink Cartridge Protrusion Angle for Accurate Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink cartridges for inkjet printers face challenges in accurately detecting ink levels due to issues with sensor detection and ink adherence, leading to inefficient ink usage and potential misinterpretation of ink availability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a translucent portion with a movable member and signal blocking portion, utilizing a specific angle between protrusions and the ink supply portion to facilitate smooth insertion and accurate ink level detection, while preventing ink adherence to detection surfaces through strategic positioning and capillary forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional ink cartridge design is used, then the structure is simple, but the sensor detection accuracy is poor and ink level detection is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into distinct functional segments: a first case member with a protrusion for engagement, a second case member with a corresponding recess, and a movable member with signal blocking portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling reliable sensor detection through the interaction of these segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member acts as an intermediary between the ink supply portion and the sensor. It includes a signal blocking portion that can move to block or unblock the sensor's detection path, thereby translating physical ink level changes into detectable signals without requiring direct sensor contact with ink.
2Measurement precision
If the ink supply portion is positioned close to the detection surface, then ink level detection is easier, but ink adheres to the detection surface causing false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted from the ink supply portion area and placed on a separate movable member. The signal blocking portion on the movable member moves with the ink level, allowing detection without requiring the ink supply portion to be adjacent to the sensor, thereby eliminating ink adherence issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct mechanical proximity between ink supply and sensor is replaced by an optical/electrical detection system. The movable member with signal blocking portion translates mechanical ink level changes into signal changes that can be detected remotely, avoiding direct contact between ink and detection surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If the protrusion angle is greater than 180 degrees, then insertion into the printer is smoother, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion on the first case member and the corresponding recess on the second case member are designed with asymmetric geometry. The protrusion extends at an angle greater than 180 degrees relative to the perpendicular, creating a tapered insertion path that guides the cartridge into the printer smoothly while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding techniques.
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 precise detection of ink levels, ensuring efficient ink usage and reducing the likelihood of false readings, thereby improving the reliability of ink availability monitoring in inkjet printers.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a specific angle between protrusions and the ink supply portion to facilitate smooth insertion and accurate ink level detection, while preventing ink adherence to detection surfaces through strategic positioning and capillary forces
Data Source
AI summary
An ink cartridge includes a first wall having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a second wall connected to and perpendicular to the first wall. The ink cartridge also includes an ink supply portion positioned at the first wall adjacent to the second end of the first wall, and a protrusion extending a predetermined length from the second end of the first wall. Moreover, an angle between the protrusion and the second wall continuously is greater than 180 degrees throughout the predetermined length of the protrusion.