Ink Cartridge Rotatable Float Mechanism for Compact Ink Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink cartridges used in ink jet printers require a large shutter mechanism to detect low ink levels, increasing the size of the cartridge.
Innovation Solution
An ink cartridge design featuring a translucent portion with a rotatable member and float mechanism that moves based on ink levels, allowing for detection of empty ink reservoirs without increasing the cartridge size, using a support member and pivot portion to position a signal blocking portion within the translucent area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large shutter mechanism is employed to detect low ink levels, then the detection functionality is improved, but the size of the ink cartridge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is nested within the translucent portion of the ink cartridge. The rotatable member with signal blocking portion is positioned inside the translucent portion, allowing the detection mechanism to be contained within the existing cartridge volume rather than requiring additional external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar shutter mechanism to a three-dimensional rotatable member that pivots within the translucent portion. The float portion extends into the ink chamber volume, utilizing the vertical dimension to create detection movement without increasing the cartridge's external footprint.
2Measurement precision
If the shutter and float are positioned on both edges of the level, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal blocking portion and float portion are merged into a single rotatable member assembly that pivots about a common pivot portion. This integration consolidates multiple detection elements into one unified mechanism, reducing structural complexity while maintaining detection accuracy through the coordinated movement of the integrated components.
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 detection of low ink levels without enlarging the cartridge, optimizing space usage and maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a float on both edges of a level which is supported in the central portion of the ink reservoir element, such that it rotates about a support in the extender direction at the bottom of the ink reservoir element. Specifically, when there is a relatively large amount of ink in the ink reservoir element, the level will rotate due to an upwards movement of the float caused by buoyancy
Data Source
AI summary
An ink cartridge includes a support member, and a rotatable member connected to the support member. The rotatable member includes a pivot portion formed at a point of connection between the support member and the rotatable member, and a signal blocking portion. The signal blocking portion is disposed within an inner space of a translucent portion. The rotatable member also includes a float portion disposed within an ink chamber. The float portion is positioned between the signal blocking portion and the pivot portion, 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. 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, and when the float portion moves from the first position to the second position each of the float portion and the signal blocking portion moves about the pivot in a second predetermined direction which is slanted with respect to the first predetermined direction.