Inkjet Recording Apparatus Ink Quantity Initialization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inkjet recording apparatuses lack assurance that the ink chamber is refilled to its maximum capacity, leading to inaccurate ink quantity estimation, which can result in air introduction during recording, affecting image quality.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a tank with an ink chamber, a recording head, memory, display, and controller, which performs an inference process to determine if ink has been injected, and prompts the user to confirm if the ink chamber is refilled to its maximum capacity, allowing for accurate initialization of ink quantity information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the apparatus initializes the count value for residual ink quantity based on the assumption that the user has refilled the ink chamber to maximum level, then the ink quantity management is simplified, but the estimated ink quantity may be greater than the actual quantity stored in the ink chamber

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink quantity managementVSAvoidink quantity estimation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays the estimated ink quantity to the user and receives feedback about the actual ink filling status. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the initialization of the count value to match the actual ink quantity, creating a closed-loop system that improves measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The initialization method dynamically adapts based on user input. The system transitions from a static assumption (maximum fill) to a dynamic adjustment where the count value is set according to the user's actual filling status, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the recording section continues to eject ink based on inaccurate ink quantity information, then the recording process can continue without interruption, but air will be introduced into the channel when ink level falls below the outlet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording continuityVSAvoidimage recording quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by accurately initializing the ink quantity count value before the recording process begins. This prevents the condition where ink is depleted during recording, thereby avoiding air introduction and maintaining both productivity and reliability throughout the recording process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides a buffer by setting the count value to reflect the actual ink quantity, creating a safety margin that prevents the ink level from falling below the outlet during the recording process, thus avoiding air introduction and quality degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Measurement precision

If the apparatus prompts the user to confirm ink filling status, then the ink quantity information can be accurately initialized, but the user operation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink quantity information accuracyVSAvoiduser operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the user to simply indicate the ink filling status through a straightforward prompt. This minimal user input is sufficient for the system to accurately initialize the ink quantity information without requiring complex operations or procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10328709B2Inkjet recording apparatus capable of initialize ink quantity information based on quantity of ink injected into ink chamber

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An inkjet recording apparatus includes: a tank; a recording head; a memory: a display; an operation interface; and a controller. The memory stores an ink quantity information including: a first threshold value; and a count value. The controller is configured to perform: an inference process to infer whether ink has been injected into the ink chamber through the inlet; an inquiry process to inquire whether ink has been injected into the ink chamber up to a maximum storage quantity thereof; a first initialization process to set the ink quantity information to a first initial value with which a first difference between the first threshold value and the count value becomes maximum within the prescribed range; and a second initialization process to set the ink quantity information to a second initial value with which the first difference is smaller than the first difference with the first initial value.