Liquid Discharge Device Ink Flow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face issues with determining the ink flow from a newly installed main tank into a subtank, leading to potential air entrapment and incorrect notification of ink levels, as the determination of ink flow is reliant on sensor signal changes, which can be delayed and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge device that accurately determines the ink levels in both the main tank and subtank by using a system of liquid and gas flow paths and sensors to ensure reliable ink transfer and prevent air entrapment, enabling timely notification and enabling/disabling of printing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the determination of ink flow is reliant on sensor signal changes, then the system can detect ink levels, but the determination is delayed and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting ink flow through pressure changes before the ink level actually changes. The pressure sensor detects the pressure difference caused by ink flowing from the main tank to the subtank, allowing the system to determine ink flow status in advance of traditional level-based detection, thus reducing detection delay and improving accuracy.
2Quantity of substance
If ink flows from the main tank into the subtank after cartridge replacement, then the residual ink amount in the subtank increases, but air entrapment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the pressure sensor to monitor the ink flow process in real-time. When air entrapment is detected through pressure changes during ink transfer, the system can identify the anomaly and take corrective actions such as pausing the transfer or notifying the user, thus preventing harmful air entrapment while maintaining efficient ink replenishment.
3Ease of operation
If the message indicating empty cartridge is deleted in response to main tank replacement, then the user interface is updated, but the empty state may actually continue
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the pressure sensor continuously monitors ink flow status after cartridge replacement. The control unit compares the detected pressure changes with expected flow patterns to determine whether ink transfer is occurring normally. This feedback loop ensures that the user interface accurately reflects the real ink level status, preventing false updates while maintaining responsive user interaction.
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
Ensures accurate determination of ink levels, prevents air entrapment, and reliably enables or disables printing, improving the operational efficiency and user experience by ensuring precise ink management.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor that detects a pressure change in the gas flow path
Implementation Method 2
a liquid level sensor that detects a liquid level in the second liquid chamber
Implementation Method 3
the liquid height difference between the internal spaces of the main tank and the subtank causes ink transfer between the tanks toward the same liquid level
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a liquid discharge device that determines the amount of liquid stored in each of a first liquid chamber of cartridge and a second liquid chamber of the tank. Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a liquid discharge device that deactivates an alarm or enables previously disabled printing after the cartridge is replaced and then the liquid is reliably determined to have flown into the second liquid chamber of the tank.