Ink Supplying Device Fault Detection via Period Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in detecting communication faults in ink supplying devices, particularly when the faults are not visually apparent, affecting the proper functioning and ink flow between reservoirs and recording heads.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an ink supplying device with a detector and measuring sections that determine whether the periods of ink absence and presence between reservoirs are equal, using a pump and a controller to measure and analyze the flow periods, allowing for the detection of communication faults through the comparison of these periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If visual inspection methods are used to detect communication faults, then the detection process is simple, but communication faults that are not visually apparent cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual inspection (mechanical/manual detection) with an automated measurement system using detectors and control circuits. The system automatically measures ink levels in both reservoirs and compares periods to detect communication faults, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection while improving detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically measuring and comparing ink levels in the first and second reservoirs. The control circuit autonomously determines communication faults based on the measured periods without requiring external intervention, enabling the system to detect its own faults.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If automated measurement systems are implemented to detect communication faults, then detection reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system serves multiple functions: it measures ink levels for normal operation monitoring and simultaneously detects communication faults by comparing periods. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control circuit as an intermediary that processes measurements from detectors and determines communication faults. This intermediary component centralizes the detection logic, simplifying the overall system structure compared to having distributed detection mechanisms in each reservoir.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If ink flow monitoring is continuously performed, then communication faults are detected promptly, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault detection timelinessVSAvoidenergy consumption for monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs periodic measurements of ink levels in the first and second reservoirs rather than continuous monitoring. The control circuit measures the period from when the detector detects ink to when the pump transfers ink, and compares this period periodically to detect communication faults, reducing energy consumption while maintaining timely fault detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 method enables the detection of communication faults in the ink supplying device, ensuring that the flow channel switching members are correctly positioned to prevent ink leakage, thereby maintaining the integrity of the ink flow and preventing faults that could disrupt the recording process.

Implementation Method 1

The pump moves the ink between the first reservoir and the second reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

The detector is provided on the first reservoir and detects the ink in the first reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDetection:

Data Source

PatentUS10675884B2Ink supplying device, inkjet recording apparatus, and communication fault determination method

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An ink supplying device includes a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a pump, a detector, a measuring section, and a determining section. The pump moves ink between the first reservoir and the second reservoir. The detector is provided on the first reservoir and detects the ink in the first reservoir. The measuring section measures a first period and a second period. The determining section determines whether or not the first period and the second period are equal. The first period is a period starting when the detector does not detect the ink and ending when the pump has moved the ink from the first reservoir to the second reservoir. The second period is a period starting when the pump starts moving the ink from the second reservoir to the first reservoir and ending when the detector detects the ink.