Inkjet Controller Ink Refill Detection Power State
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing inkjet recording apparatus cannot detect whether the ink chamber has been refilled with ink when the device is in a power OFF state, leading to deviations between the residual ink quantity indicated by the count value and the actual quantity stored in the ink chamber.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a power switching section that allows for two states: one where power is supplied to the recording head and display, and another where power is interrupted, enabling the controller to execute different initialization processes based on whether the ink chamber is refilled with ink in either state, ensuring accurate count value initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the inkjet recording apparatus is in power OFF state, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to detect ink chamber refill status is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of ink chamber refill status by monitoring cover opening/closing events even when in power OFF state. The cover sensor detects when the cover is opened and closed, and this information is stored for subsequent processing when power is restored, allowing the system to maintain detection capability without continuous power consumption.
2Ease of operation
If the count value is initialized to maximum value after refill, then the residual ink quantity indication is simplified, but deviation occurs when refill happens during power OFF state
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from cover sensor detection to determine whether ink chamber refill occurred. When the cover is opened and closed while in power OFF state, the system detects this event and uses it as feedback to initialize the count value appropriately after power is restored, ensuring the residual ink quantity indication remains accurate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the initialization parameter of the count value based on the power state at the time of refill detection. When refill is detected during power OFF state, the count value is initialized to a value reflecting the actual ink quantity rather than always setting it to maximum, thereby maintaining measurement precision.
3Loss of energy
If the cover sensor operates without power supply, then energy consumption is reduced, but detection of cover opening/closing events is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The cover sensor is designed to detect cover opening/closing events using residual charge or minimal power from the internal battery, performing the detection action preliminarily before main power is fully restored. This allows the system to capture refill status information without requiring continuous power supply to the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover sensor acts as an intermediary that can operate in a low-power mode, detecting mechanical events (cover opening/closing) without requiring full power supply. The sensor translates mechanical motion into electrical signals that can be processed when power is restored, bridging the gap between power OFF state and full operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus includes: a tank having ink chamber; a recording head; a memory storing a count value updated toward a first threshold value in accordance with ejection of ink; a display; an operation interface; a power switching section switched between a first state and a second state; and a controller executes a first inquiry process to: display a first inquiry screen inquiring whether the ink chamber has been refilled with ink; and receive one of a first operation and a second operation. After receiving the first operation, the controller determines when ink has been supplied. In response to determining that ink has been supplied just before the first inquiry process, the controller sets the count value to a first initial value. In response to determining that ink has been supplied during the second state, the controller sets the count value to a second initial value.