Ink Tank Memory and LED Interface for Hot-Swap Data Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing systems face issues with ink compatibility, leading to mixture and solidification of different ink types within the printing apparatus, causing operational hindrances and increasing manufacturing costs due to the need for distinct ink cartridge shapes. Additionally, existing solutions for detecting ink residual quantity are prone to data destruction during hot-swap operations and require a large number of signal lines for connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A liquid container system with a non-volatile memory element and a light-emitting portion that allows the light to remain active until detachment, reducing the risk of data destruction and minimizing signal lines by using a combination of non-volatile and volatile information retention portions, along with a control portion that manages access and drive operations to prevent data loss and simplify connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a light emitting portion is used to indicate ink residual quantity, then information on the state of the liquid container can be detected, but data destruction may occur during hot-swap operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transferring data from the non-volatile memory element to the volatile memory element before the hot-swap operation occurs. The control portion detects when the liquid container is about to be detached and completes the data transfer process in advance, ensuring that the light emitting portion can continue to function using data from the volatile memory element even after detachment. This prevents data destruction by preparing the system beforehand for the upcoming hot-swap event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a volatile memory element as an intermediary between the non-volatile memory element and the light emitting portion. During hot-swap operations, the volatile memory element temporarily holds the data that would otherwise be destroyed when power is removed from the non-volatile memory element. This intermediary allows continuous operation of the light emitting portion without direct access to the non-volatile memory element during the swap process.
2Loss of information
If electric signal lines are extended from connectors to CPU for memory elements, then information can be transmitted, but the number of signal lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication interface for the memory element with the existing connector infrastructure. Instead of creating separate dedicated signal lines for memory element communication, the system combines these functions into the existing connector that already handles power and control signals for the liquid container. This reduces the total number of signal lines by consolidating multiple functions into shared communication pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector and its signal lines are designed to serve multiple functions: power supply to the liquid container, communication with the control portion, and data transfer from the memory element. By making the signal lines universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated lines for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full information transmission capability.
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 ensures reliable and efficient ink management by preventing data destruction during hot-swap operations, reducing the number of signal lines, and providing clear indication of ink tank states, thereby enhancing printing quality and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
by use of light emitting means such as a light emitting diode (LED)
Data Source
AI summary
An ink tank detachably mounted on a printer includes a non-volatile memory and a LED for executing a process in response to a condition of the tank such as ink residual quantity by transmitting information stored in the memory to a printer, and informing the condition of the ink by use of the LED. Further, the content stored in the memory is prevented from being destroyed, and the LED can perform light emission until immediately before detachment and thus contribute to improvement in workability of a user. A volatile memory element is provided in addition to the non-volatile memory. When a user can detach the tank, condition information on the ink tank retained by the non-volatile memory is transferred to the volatile memory in advance. When it is possible to detach the tank, control for turning the LED on and off is achieved by accessing only to the volatile memory.