Inkjet Cartridge Controller Deactivates Empty Alarm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face delays in image recording due to the time required for the ink level in the sub tank to align with the main tank, causing a notification of empty ink and prohibiting ink discharge until the detection signal changes, which can keep users waiting.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge device with a controller that manages a cartridge with a first liquid chamber and a second liquid chamber, using flow paths and a liquid level sensor to deactivate the alarm when the cartridge is installed, allowing ink discharge and canceling notifications before the ink level reaches a predetermined position, thus preventing air entry into the flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the residual amount detection sensor is used to detect ink level in the sub tank, then the empty indication can be displayed and ink discharge can be prohibited, but the user must wait until the detection signal changes after cartridge exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The notification device is controlled to deactivate immediately when cartridge installation is detected, before the liquid level sensor signal changes. This preliminary action eliminates the waiting period while the system proactively checks flow path conditions to prevent air entry, thus resolving the contradiction between immediate resumption and air-in prevention
2Measurement precision
If the liquid level sensor is used to detect ink level, then the detection signal changes when ink flows from main tank to sub tank, but there is a time delay before the signal changes after cartridge exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the liquid level sensor to monitor ink flow status, but combines this with proactive cartridge installation detection and flow path condition checking. This allows the notification device to deactivate based on multiple indicators rather than waiting solely for the liquid level sensor signal change, reducing the effective delay while maintaining detection accuracy
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
Enables immediate resumption of image recording after cartridge exchange without user wait, preventing air entry into the printer by managing ink flow and notifications effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid level sensor; The controller is configured to: receive, from the liquid level sensor, a first signal from the liquid level sensor in a case a position of a liquid level in the second liquid chamber is equal to or higher than a predetermined position
Implementation Method 2
an alarm; control the alarm to activate in a case the first count value reaches a first threshold; based on determining that the cartridge is installed in the installation case, control the alarm to deactivate
Implementation Method 3
when the main tank is installed in the inkjet printer, the ink moves due to a water head pressure so that the liquid level of the main tank and the liquid level of the sub tank are aligned with the same height by the difference between a water head in the internal space of the main tank and a water head in the internal space of the sub tank
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge device is configured to display, on a display, an S_Empty notification screen in a state where a low level signal is not received from a liquid level sensor and a count value SN2 reaches a second threshold value Nth2. The liquid discharge device is configured to erase the S_Empty notification screen in a state where the low level signal is received after receiving a high level signal is received from an installation sensor.