Ink Tank Wall Partition for Bubble-Resistant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image-recording apparatuses, incorrect detection of residual ink levels occurs due to air bubbles adhering to the detector, leading to false readings when the ink level in one storage chamber is low, causing premature replacement of cartridges.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a cartridge with a first storage chamber and a tank with separate storage and communication passages, where the detector is positioned to avoid air bubbles from the first storage chamber entering the second, allowing accurate detection of ink levels in the second chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detector is disposed in the second storage chamber to detect ink level, then the detector can monitor ink consumption, but air bubbles from the first storage chamber may adhere to the detected portion causing incorrect detection
Solution Approach 1:
The second storage chamber is divided into a detected portion and a non-detected portion by the wall portion. The detected portion contains the detected portion 54 where the detector monitors ink level, while the non-detected portion receives air bubbles from the first storage chamber. This segmentation isolates the detection area from harmful air bubbles, maintaining measurement precision while allowing air bubbles to exist in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall portion 167 acts as an intermediary structure that partitions the second storage chamber. It has an upper communication portion that allows controlled interaction between regions while the lower communication portion blocks air bubbles from reaching the detected portion. This intermediary structure mediates between the need for ink level monitoring and the presence of air bubbles in the storage chamber.
2Reliability
If air bubbles are allowed to flow into the second storage chamber, then pressure equilibrium is maintained, but air bubbles may adhere to the detected portion causing false low ink level readings
Solution Approach 1:
The wall portion divides the second storage chamber into regions with different functions. The upper communication portion allows pressure equilibrium by enabling air bubble flow, while the lower communication portion is positioned to prevent air bubbles from reaching the detected portion. This segmentation maintains pressure reliability while protecting measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall portion structure converts the harmful effect of air bubbles into a beneficial arrangement. Air bubbles are allowed to flow into the second storage chamber to maintain pressure equilibrium, but the wall portion guides them to accumulate in the non-detected portion rather than adhering to the detected portion. Thus, air bubbles that would normally cause false readings are redirected to serve the pressure balancing function without interfering with detection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the wall portion completely separates the first and second storage chambers, then air bubble interference is eliminated, but pressure equilibrium cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The wall portion provides partial separation rather than complete isolation. It divides the second storage chamber into detected and non-detected portions, creating a barrier against air bubbles while incorporating communication portions that allow pressure equilibrium. This segmented approach simultaneously achieves both objectives of reducing air bubble interference and maintaining pressure balance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the wall structure have different properties. The upper communication portion allows air and pressure equalization, while the lower communication portion is designed to block air bubbles from reaching the detected portion. This local differentiation of wall properties enables simultaneous achievement of pressure equilibrium and air bubble prevention.
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 detected portion, a detector, and a wall portion. Liquid supplied from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber through an inlet port is supplied from the second storage chamber to the recording portion through an outlet port. The wall portion partitions an internal space of the second storage chamber into a first region including the liquid inlet port and a second region including the detected portion. The wall portion extends upward than the liquid inlet port and the detected portion and downward than the liquid inlet port and the detected portion. Communication between the first region and the second region is allowed through upper and lower communication portions. The upper communication portion is positioned upward than the liquid inlet port and the detected portion.