Ink Cartridge Translucent Wall Optical Detection Mechanism
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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 sensitivity and ink adherence, leading to incomplete ink usage and incorrect low-ink alerts.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a translucent portion with a movable signal blocking member that rotates based on ink levels, using a sensor with a light emitting and receiving portion to detect ink presence, and an air intake portion to introduce ambient air, ensuring accurate ink detection and minimizing ink adherence on detection surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is used to detect ink levels, then ink level detection is enabled, but sensor detection sensitivity is insufficient and ink adheres to detection surfaces causing false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic detection function from direct contact with ink by introducing a translucent portion that allows optical detection without the sensor touching the ink. The signal blocking portion is removed from direct ink exposure, eliminating adhesion issues while maintaining detection capability through light transmission through the translucent wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent portion acts as an intermediary between the ink and the sensor. Instead of the sensor directly detecting ink levels (which causes adhesion problems), the sensor detects light transmission through the translucent portion, which is affected by ink presence but does not contact it directly.
2Volume of moving object
If the cartridge design is made compact, then space efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ink chamber wall and the detection function into a single translucent portion. This integration eliminates the need for separate detection components and reduces overall cartridge complexity while maintaining compact size. The signal blocking portion is integrated into the movable member structure rather than being a separate component.
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent portion serves multiple functions: it contains ink, allows optical detection, and provides structural support. The movable member with signal blocking portion serves both as a mechanical indicator and an optical signal blocker. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
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 allows for precise detection of ink levels, preventing incomplete ink usage and reducing false low-ink alerts, while maintaining a compact cartridge design and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a translucent portion (140) which allows for detection of an amount of ink stored in the ink chamber (111)
Implementation Method 2
a movable member (470) which is movable in response to an amount of ink stored in the ink chamber (111)
Data Source
AI summary
An ink cartridge includes a first case having a particular opening formed therethrough, and a second case enclosed within the first case, in which the second case includes a particular wall. The ink cartridge also includes a signal blocking portion provided at the particular wall and extending in a predetermined direction into the particular opening, and the signal blocking portion divides the particular opening into a first opening portion and a second opening portion.