Ink Residual Detection Using Segmented Light Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid residual-amount detection methods in image recording apparatuses suffer from errors due to vertical fluctuations in ink liquid levels caused by vibrations, affecting the accuracy of ink cartridge replacement timing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid residual-amount detecting device with an optical sensor and multiple light shielding portions, each designed to ensure that the detection light received is not reduced below a predetermined amount, even when the float is at its highest position, aligning to cross the optical path and shield the light, thereby stabilizing the detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light shielding plate is used for ink residual amount detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but detection precision deteriorates due to errors caused by vertical fluctuations in ink liquid level
Solution Approach 1:
The single light shielding plate is divided into multiple light shielding plates (first light shielding plate and second light shielding plate) positioned at different heights. Each plate independently shields the optical path when the float rises to its respective level, ensuring that vertical fluctuations in ink liquid level do not cause false detection signals. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between actual float position changes and liquid level variations.
2Measurement precision
If the light shielding plate is made large to ensure adequate light shielding, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large light shielding plate, the system employs multiple smaller light shielding plates positioned at different heights corresponding to different ink residual levels. Each plate is sized appropriately for its function, and together they provide comprehensive light shielding across the entire detection range without requiring any single plate to be excessively large.
Solution Approach 2:
The float acts as an intermediary mechanism that simultaneously controls multiple light shielding plates through its vertical movement. As the float rises or falls with ink level changes, it sequentially blocks or unblocks each light shielding plate's optical path, translating liquid level changes into discrete detection signals without requiring complex electronic circuits.
3Measurement precision
If the optical path is made narrow to improve detection sensitivity, then measurement precision improves, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to vertical fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection zones, each corresponding to a specific ink residual level. Each zone has its own light shielding plate that independently controls light transmission. This segmentation ensures that narrow optical paths in each zone are not affected by vertical fluctuations in the ink liquid level, as each zone's shielding plate is positioned to block light only when the float reaches its specific level.
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 reduces detection errors in ink residual amounts, ensuring accurate timing for replacing ink cartridges by minimizing the impact of vertical fluctuations in ink liquid levels.
Implementation Method 1
a float disposed in the containing portion and receiving buoyancy of the liquid
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor having a pair of a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid residual-amount detecting device includes an optical sensor having a pair of a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion; and a plurality of liquid cartridges, each having a containing portion, a float disposed in the containing portion, and a light shielding portion displaced on a path that crosses an optical path of detection light in synchronization with displacement of the float, wherein the light shielding portions each having a size such that a light amount of the detection light, which the light receiving portion receives, cannot be made smaller than a predetermined light amount by alone; and wherein when the float is at a highest position, they are disposed to be aligned in a direction crossing the optical path so as to shield the optical path, and the light amount, which the light receiving portion receives, is made smaller than the predetermined light amount.