Pivoting Ink Level Sensor Shaft Submersion Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image-recording apparatuses with a liquid chamber, dried ink on the pivot member can obstruct its movement, leading to incorrect detection of the residual ink level, even when new ink is injected, causing the apparatus to fail in detecting the intended residual amount.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a pivoting member within the liquid chamber with a shaft positioned lower than the liquid level, a detector to sense the pivot's movement, and a controller to notify when new ink is needed, ensuring the shaft remains submerged and preventing obstruction by dried ink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pivot member is exposed from the ink when the liquid level falls, then the residual amount detection becomes possible, but the ink on the shaft portion dries and fixes, obstructing the pivot member movement
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member is introduced as an intermediary component between the pivot member and the liquid. The seal member extends from the liquid level down to cover the shaft portion of the pivot member, preventing direct contact between the ink and the shaft while still allowing the pivot member to move. This mediator solves the contradiction by enabling residual amount detection through pivot movement while preventing ink drying on the shaft.
2Quantity of substance
If new ink is injected into the liquid chamber, then the liquid level rises, but the dried ink on the shaft portion continues to obstruct the pivot member movement
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member acts as a continuous barrier that prevents ink from adhering to the shaft portion regardless of the liquid level. Even when new ink is injected and the liquid level rises, the seal member ensures that the shaft portion remains isolated from direct ink contact, maintaining pivot member mobility throughout the ink replenishment cycle.
3Reliability
If the pivot member is continuously submerged in ink, then the shaft portion remains wet and mobile, but the residual amount detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is positioned to extend from the liquid level downward, creating a controlled interface. The top surface of the seal member remains exposed to air while the shaft portion below remains sealed. This arrangement allows the pivot member to pivot freely (improving reliability) while the seal member's position relative to the liquid level provides the detection mechanism for residual amount (improving measurement precision).
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 effectively prevents the pivot member from being obstructed by dried ink, allowing accurate detection of the residual ink level and timely notification for ink replacement, ensuring proper operation.
Implementation Method 1
The pivot member is configured of material having a specific gravity smaller than that of ink. In case that a liquid surface of the ink stored in the liquid chamber is located higher than a prescribed height, the pivot member is positioned at a prescribed position due to buoyancy of the ink.
Implementation Method 2
When the liquid surface of the ink stored in the liquid chamber falls below the prescribed height and a majority of the pivot member is located higher than the liquid surface of the ink, the pivot member is caused to pivot due to gravitational force.
Implementation Method 3
The shaft of the pivoting member is positioned lower than the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber at a time of execution of the notifying. This configuration effectively prevents the pivot member from being obstructed by dried ink.
Data Source
AI summary
An image-recording apparatus includes a cartridge including a first storage chamber, a tank including a second storage chamber, a recording portion, a pivoting member disposed in the second storage chamber, a detector for detecting pivoting of the pivoting member, and a controller. Liquid in the first storage chamber is supplied to the second storage chamber through a liquid inlet port, and from the second storage chamber to the recording portion through a liquid outlet port. The pivoting member is pivotable about a pivot axis when a liquid level of the liquid in the second storage chamber is not higher than a prescribed position. The controller notifies the cartridge should be replaced upon receipt of a detection signal from the detector. A shaft defining the pivot axis is positioned lower than the liquid level of the liquid in the second storage chamber at the time of execution of the notification.