Inkjet Head Control via Main Tank Weight Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers often experience a prolonged disablement of ink discharge and display of error messages after replacing the main tank, leading to user inconvenience and misunderstanding about the replacement success, due to delayed signal changes from residual amount sensors and persistent messages until the ink level in the subtank reaches a predetermined level.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge device that enables ink discharge and deactivates alarms before the ink level in the subtank reaches a predetermined level after replacing the ink cartridge, allowing for immediate image recording and clearing error messages, by implementing a mechanism to detect the ink flow and adjust sensor signals accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the residual amount sensor is used to detect ink level in the subtank, then the ink discharge can be controlled based on actual ink availability, but the ink discharge remains disabled for a long time after main tank replacement because the sensor signal does not change until ink flows from the main tank to the subtank
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines that ink has been supplied to the subtank by detecting the weight change of the main tank before the ink level in the subtank reaches the sensor detection threshold. This preliminary determination allows the control unit to enable ink discharge functionality in advance, eliminating the waiting time that would otherwise occur until the residual amount sensor detects sufficient ink level.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit introduces an intermediate determination mechanism that uses weight sensor data from the main tank as a mediator to infer ink supply status to the subtank. This intermediary approach allows the system to recognize ink availability earlier than the direct subtank level sensor would indicate, bridging the time gap between main tank replacement and functional readiness.
2Loss of information
If the error message is displayed until the ink level in the subtank reaches a predetermined level, then the user is informed of the actual system state, but the message persists for a long time causing user confusion and misunderstanding about replacement failure
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit clears the error message from the display in advance by determining ink supply status through weight change detection of the main tank, before the ink level in the subtank actually reaches the predetermined level that would trigger sensor-based message clearing. This preliminary message clearing prevents user confusion while maintaining accurate system state monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses real-time weight change feedback from the main tank to dynamically adjust the error message display state. When the weight change indicates sufficient ink has been transferred to the subtank, the control unit immediately updates the display to clear the replacement warning, providing timely feedback to the user that the system is ready for operation.
3Reliability
If the ink discharge is enabled only after the liquid level in the second liquid chamber reaches a predetermined level, then the system ensures sufficient ink is available, but image recording cannot be started readily after cartridge replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary determination of ink supply status by monitoring weight change of the main tank before the ink level in the subtank reaches the predetermined level required for reliable discharge. This advance determination allows the system to enable image recording functionality proactively, improving startup speed while maintaining ink availability through continuous monitoring.
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
Facilitates quicker resumption of image recording and reduces user confusion by enabling ink discharge and clearing error messages before the ink level in the subtank reaches the predetermined level, ensuring seamless operation after main tank replacement.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid height difference between the internal spaces of the main tank and the subtank (hereinafter, the water head difference) causes ink transfer between the tanks toward the same liquid level under the pressure of water head
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of a disclosure relates to a liquid discharge device enables previously disabled liquid discharge through a head after a cartridge including a first liquid chamber is replaced and before the liquid level in a second liquid chamber of a tank reaches a predetermined level or higher. Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a liquid discharge device that deactivates an alarm after a cartridge including a first liquid chamber is replaced and before the liquid level in a second liquid reaches a predetermined level or higher.