Ink Refill Inlet Illumination for Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of ink jet printers face difficulties in finding the inlet of the liquid container for refilling ink due to a lack of clear indication, leading to inconvenience during the refilling process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an illumination member that emits light rays related to the color of the ink and operates based on the remaining ink amount, along with a detector to control the lighting state, assists users in locating the inlet and visually checking the ink level through a transparent member or second illumination member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a transparent liquid container with a transparent window is used to enable visual checking of remaining ink, then the user can check the ink level, but the user has trouble finding the inlet of the liquid container when refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using an illumination member that emits light with a color related to the ink color (e.g., cyan light for cyan ink). This colored illumination makes the inlet position and ink level visually distinguishable, resolving the contradiction between transparent container visibility and inlet location identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the illumination member activate automatically when the plug member is detached from the inlet. This preliminary illumination action occurs before the user needs to locate the inlet, making the inlet position immediately visible and eliminating the problem of not finding the inlet during refilling.
2Ease of operation
If the illumination member is activated based on plug member detachment detection, then the inlet position is highlighted for refilling, but additional components (detector, controller) are added to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating the detector and controller into the existing printer system architecture. The detector leverages the existing plug member detachment detection capability, and the controller uses the existing illumination member control infrastructure, thereby adding inlet location functionality without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the illumination member to activate automatically upon plug detachment detection, without requiring user intervention or additional controls. The system self-regulates the illumination based on the detected plug state, simplifying the user interface while maintaining the enhanced inlet visibility function.
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 allows users to easily identify the ink refill inlet and monitor the remaining ink amount, facilitating a more straightforward and efficient refilling process.
Implementation Method 1
An illumination member that emits light rays related to the color of the ink
Implementation Method 2
A detector detects detaching of the plug member from the inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a main unit that accommodates a recording head and a carriage that is movable in a transport direction of the medium. At least one liquid container mounted above the recording head in the carriage contains the liquid to be supplied to the recording head and has an inlet through which the liquid is to be refilled from an ink refill bottle. The plug member plugs up the inlet. An illumination member irradiates the liquid container from the liquid container. A detector detects detaching of the plug member from the inlet. A controller controls the illumination member, based on a detection result of the detector. The illumination member irradiates the liquid container in response to detection of the detaching of the plug member from the inlet with the detector.