Ink Detection Unit Merging Cartridge and Tank Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses require separate detection units for ink cartridges and ink tanks, leading to increased costs and size due to the inability to detect ink presence in both with a single unit.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with a single detection unit utilizing a light emitting section and a light receiving section, where the ink cartridge and ink tank have protrusions that communicate with each other, allowing the detection unit to determine the presence or absence of ink in both by arranging the protrusions on the optical path, thereby reducing the need for multiple detection units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate detection units are prepared for ink cartridge and ink tank, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection functions for both the ink cartridge and ink tank into a single detection unit. The light emitting section and light receiving section are integrated into one unit, and both the first protrusion (from ink cartridge) and second protrusion (from ink tank) are arranged on the same optical path, allowing one detection unit to monitor both locations simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The single detection unit is designed to perform multiple detection functions - it can detect ink presence in the ink cartridge through the first protrusion and simultaneously detect ink presence in the ink tank through the second protrusion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated detection units for each component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate detection units are prepared for ink cartridge and ink tank, then detection coverage is improved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit merges the detection capabilities for both ink cartridge and ink tank monitoring into a single integrated component. By placing both protrusions on the same optical path and using one light emitting section and one light receiving section, the physical space required for detection is significantly reduced compared to having separate detection units for each location.
3Reliability
If separate detection units are prepared for ink cartridge and ink tank, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single detection unit, which reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable detection through the coordinated arrangement of the first and second protrusions on the optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit is designed as a universal component that can reliably detect ink presence in both the ink cartridge and ink tank. This multi-functional design reduces the overall component count and manufacturing complexity, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining detection reliability across different locations.
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 enables the detection of ink presence in both the ink cartridge and ink tank with a single unit, reducing the cost and size of the apparatus while ensuring accurate liquid level monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting section which emits detection light and a light receiving section which receives the detection light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a liquid ejection apparatus including an ink cartridge including a first ink storage section which stores ink; an ink tank including a second ink storage section which is connected to the ink cartridge and supplied with ink from the ink cartridge; and a detection unit including a light emitting section which emits detection light and a light receiving section which receives the detection light, in which the ink cartridge includes a first protrusion in communication with the first ink storage section, the ink tank includes a recess and a second protrusion in communication with the second ink storage section, the light emitting section and the light receiving section are arranged in the recess, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are arranged between the light emitting section and the light receiving section.