Ink Tank Mark Reference for Photoelectric Ink Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer technologies face challenges in accurately determining the amount of ink in ink tanks, particularly when assembly errors occur, leading to potential inaccuracies in ink estimation.
Innovation Solution
A printer system that includes an ink tank with a mark on its side surface, a photoelectric conversion device outside the tank to detect light emitted by a light source, and a processing unit to determine the ink level based on the output from the photoelectric conversion device, allowing for accurate estimation of ink amount even with assembly errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light receiver is used to detect ink level by receiving light from a light emitter, then ink amount can be detected, but measurement precision deteriorates when assembly errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
A mark is introduced as an intermediary reference element on the ink tank. The photoelectric conversion device detects the position of this mark to establish a reference, and then measures the ink level relative to this reference. This intermediary mark compensates for assembly errors by providing a known reference point that eliminates positioning inaccuracies between the light emitter and the actual ink tank features.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the detected position of the mark to calculate the ink level by determining the interval between the mark position and the light reception interface. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to actual assembly conditions and compute accurate ink levels even when initial positioning may have errors, by using the mark position information to correct the measurement.
2Device complexity
If the photoelectric conversion device is provided outside the side surface having the mark, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into two independent parts: (1) the mark providing a reference position on the ink tank, and (2) the photoelectric conversion device detecting light and the mark position. This segmentation allows the photoelectric conversion device to be positioned externally for simplicity while maintaining measurement precision through the mark reference system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mark serves as an intermediary that bridges the simple external photoelectric conversion device and the ink level measurement function. By detecting the mark position, the system maintains measurement precision without requiring complex integration of the photoelectric conversion device with the ink tank structure.
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 solution enables precise detection of ink levels in the tank, enhancing accuracy and reliability in estimating the remaining ink amount, thus preventing printing interruptions and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion device provided outside the side surface having the mark among side surfaces of the ink tank, and detecting light from the ink tank
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a printer including an ink tank having a mark at a side surface of the ink tank, a print head performing printing by using ink in the ink tank, a photoelectric conversion device provided outside the side surface having the mark among side surfaces of the ink tank, and detecting light from the ink tank, and a processing unit determining a position of an interface of the ink based on an output of the photoelectric conversion device and detecting an amount of ink in the ink tank based on a position of the mark and the position of the interface.