Inkjet Recording Unit Tilt Detection Using Liquid-Level Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face the challenge of preventing tanks from tilting, which can contaminate the internal components with liquid, especially when sensors are used to detect tilt, increasing the cost.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet recording apparatus is equipped with a unit lifting device that can lift and lower a unit containing tanks, a control part that controls the lifting device, and sensors that detect the rise of the liquid surface in the tanks. The sensors are positioned at two separate horizontal locations, allowing the control part to determine tilt based on liquid surface changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive tilt detection sensors are used to detect tank tilt, then tilt detection accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive tilt detection sensors with inexpensive liquid level sensors that detect liquid surface rise caused by tank tilt. This substitution uses cheap, readily available sensors to achieve the same functional goal of detecting tilt conditions without the high cost of dedicated tilt sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces liquid as an intermediary medium between the tank and the sensor. Instead of directly measuring tank tilt with a tilt sensor, the system uses the liquid's behavior (rising along the tilted tank wall) as an indirect indicator of tilt, allowing detection through standard liquid level sensors.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tanks are made tilt-resistant through mechanical constraints, then tank stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the liquid itself to detect and indicate tilt conditions without requiring external mechanical constraints or complex stabilization mechanisms. The liquid's natural behavior of rising along the tank wall when tilted provides both the detection mechanism and the indication, eliminating the need for additional stability-enhancing components.
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
This configuration effectively detects tank tilt with a cost-effective setup, preventing liquid contamination and maintaining the apparatus's internal cleanliness without the need for expensive tilt detection sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor detects a height of the liquid surface using a floating body floated on the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a unit, a unit lifting device, a control part, and a sensor. The unit is provided with a tank for storing liquid. The unit lifting device lifts and lowers the unit. The control part controls the unit lifting device. The sensor detects a rise of a liquid surface in the tank. The sensor is provided at two positions separated in a horizontal direction. The control part determines that the unit tilts when one of the sensors detects the rise of the liquid surface.