Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Ink Refilling Overflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid ejecting apparatuses face issues with ink refilling, where the remaining ink amount in the tank can be insufficient or lead to overflow, causing user unease due to the uncertainty of the refilling process, as existing techniques lack precise detection and notification mechanisms to manage the liquid level effectively.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control unit with a remaining amount detection unit, a determination unit, and a notification unit that detects the liquid level, determines if it's below a threshold, and notifies the user, ensuring the liquid level is within safe limits during refilling by using an upper limit mark and optical detection units to prevent overflow and ensure sufficient refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the entire ink amount of the ink refilling container is refilled into the ink tank, then the ink tank can be fully refilled, but the ink may overflow from the ink inlet port or the ink liquid level may be below the mark depending on the ink amount variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing advance notification to the user when the ink remaining amount reaches a predetermined threshold level. This allows the user to prepare for refilling before the tank is completely empty, enabling more controlled refilling operations that prevent both overflow and insufficient filling. The notification system triggers user action at an optimal moment to maintain reliable refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a notification system that continuously monitors the ink remaining amount in the liquid container and provides feedback to the user when the amount reaches a predetermined level. This feedback loop enables the user to adjust refilling behavior accordingly, preventing overflow by stopping before the tank is overfilled and ensuring sufficient refilling by notifying before complete depletion.
2Device complexity
If no notification mechanism is provided for ink remaining amount, then the device structure remains simple, but the user experiences unease due to uncertainty about the refilling state and potential overflow risk
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system provides continuous feedback to the user about the ink remaining amount, eliminating uncertainty about the refilling state. When the remaining amount reaches a predetermined level, the system notifies the user, enabling informed decision-making during refilling operations and preventing overflow risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically monitoring the ink remaining amount and notifying the user when refilling is needed, eliminating the need for manual checking. This automated service enhances user confidence and simplifies the refilling process while maintaining simple device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid container and a control unit. The liquid container has an upper limit mark. The upper limit mark is arranged so that in a first case where an entire amount of liquid stored in a refilling container is injected into a storage portion when a notification unit notifies of a first state, a liquid level of the liquid in the storage portion is located between an inlet port and the upper limit mark, and in a second case where the entire amount of liquid stored in the refilling container is injected into the storage portion when the notification unit notifies of a second state, the liquid level overlaps with the upper limit mark.