Ink Level Detection Device With Insulated Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ink container detection systems fail to accurately measure the remaining amount of ink in multiple containers of different colors due to electrical interference between adjacent electrodes.

Innovation Solution

A physical quantity detection device with a container design featuring a first electrode and multiple second electrodes, each covered with insulation layers, which detects electrostatic capacitance between the electrodes to accurately measure ink levels without interference, allowing for precise detection of ink levels in each container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a pair of electrodes is provided to face each other via the ink container to detect remaining ink amount, then the remaining amount of ink can be detected based on electrostatic capacitance changes, but electrodes provided at adjacent ink containers electrically interfere with each other and accurate detection becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink level detection accuracyVSAvoidelectrical interference between adjacent electrodes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces insulation layers as intermediary substances between adjacent electrodes. Specifically, a first insulation layer is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a second insulation layer is provided between the second electrode and adjacent electrodes of other ink containers. These insulation layers act as mediators that prevent direct electrical interference while allowing the electrostatic capacitance detection function to operate accurately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and isolates the problematic electrical field interaction by removing the direct conductive path between adjacent electrodes through the insulation layers. This separates the detection system of each ink container from adjacent containers, eliminating the harmful electrical interference while preserving the intended detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ink containers with different colors are provided, then diverse printing functions are enabled, but electrical interference between adjacent containers prevents accurate individual detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-color printing capabilityVSAvoidindividual ink level detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection system by providing separate insulation layers for each electrode. The first insulation layer and second insulation layer create distinct electrical zones for each ink container, allowing independent and accurate detection of ink levels in each container while maintaining the multi-color printing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation layers serve as intermediary barriers between adjacent ink containers, enabling each container to maintain its own electrical detection environment. This allows multiple ink containers with different colors to coexist without electrical interference, preserving both the versatility of multi-color printing and the precision of individual ink level detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution enables accurate detection of ink levels in each container, preventing electrical interference and ensuring reliable ink level monitoring, thereby preventing unintended ink depletion and improving printing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an electrostatic capacitance detector that detects an electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a first insulation layer that covers the first electrode, a second insulation layer that covers the second electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11485145B2Physical quantity detection device and printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A physical quantity detection device including a container that accommodates a detection object formed of a dielectric and whose depth direction is a direction of a z axis when an x axis, a y axis, and the z axis along a vertical direction are set as axes orthogonal to one another, a first electrode provided at an outer side of the container, at least one second electrode that has an elongated shape extending in a direction of the y axis, is provided at an outer side of the container, and is separated from and faces the first electrode in a direction of the x axis, a first insulation layer that covers the first electrode, a second insulation layer that covers the second electrode, and an electrostatic capacitance detector that detects an electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode.