Ink Tank Sensing via Absorber Slope Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face issues with pigment-containing ink viscosity increasing rapidly, leading to ink fluidity loss and agglomeration in discarded-ink tanks, causing protrusion and contamination during tank exchange.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a sensing device featuring an absorber and optical sensor that detects ink accumulation in a mountain-like shape, preventing ink protrusion by absorbing ink along a slope when the mountain top reaches a predetermined height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pigment-containing ink is used for printing, then image quality properties (color reproduction, fastness, light fastness) are improved, but ink viscosity increases rapidly causing fluidity loss and agglomeration in the discarded-ink tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by blank-ejecting ink to a blank ejection receiver before printing to adjust ink viscosity and prevent agglomeration. This preliminary viscosity adjustment ensures the ink remains fluid when discarded ink is collected in the tank, preventing the mountain-like accumulation problem while maintaining image quality properties.
2Volume of stationary object
If the discarded-ink tank is monitored using a sensor at the end portion away from the ink entrance, then ink collection capacity is maximized, but the sensor cannot detect when ink protrudes from the ink entrance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by using optical absorption characteristics (converting spatial measurement to optical property measurement). Instead of measuring ink height directly at the critical location, the absorber detects ink presence through light absorption when ink accumulates in the mountain-like shape and reaches the absorber position, enabling indirect detection of protrusion risk while maintaining maximum tank capacity.
3Measurement precision
If the absorber is positioned to detect ink at the mountain top location, then timely detection of ink protrusion risk is achieved, but the sensing device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an absorber as an intermediary element between the ink and the optical sensor. The absorber absorbs light when ink reaches its position, converting the physical presence of ink into an optical signal that the sensor can detect. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall sensing device structure compared to direct mechanical or complex optical measurement systems while achieving timely detection.
4Quantity of substance
If discarded ink accumulates in a mountain-like shape in the discarded-ink tank, then ink is concentrated at the entrance, but this causes protrusion and contamination during tank exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring ink accumulation in the discarded-ink tank using the optical sensor and absorber. When the sensor detects that ink has reached the absorber position (indicating mountain-like accumulation and protrusion risk), the system can trigger alerts or automatic tank replacement, preventing contamination during exchange by timely intervention based on real-time ink level feedback.
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
Prevents ink protrusion and contamination by accurately sensing ink levels, allowing for timely tank exchange and maintaining apparatus cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
an absorber arranged at a location at which discarded ink which has flowed in the discarded-ink tank and is flowing along a slope of the discarded ink can be absorbed
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor configured to sense light from the absorber
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including a head part with an ejection port configured to eject ink, a discarded-ink tank configured to collect ejected or absorbed ink in order to restore a function of the ejection port, and a sensing device configured to sense the discarded ink collected in the discarded-ink tank, the sensing device including an absorber configured to absorb the ink and an optical sensor configured to sense the light received from the absorber is disclosed, wherein the apparatus uses ink having a characteristic such that the discarded ink is accumulated in a mountain-like shape in the discarded-ink tank, and the absorber is arranged at the location, at which discarded ink can be absorbed when a mountain top of the discarded ink accumulated in a mountain-like shape reaches a predetermined height so that the discarded ink flows along a slope of the discarded ink accumulated in a mountain-like shape to the absorber.