Inkjet Sub-tank Pressurization for Accurate Ink Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet type recording apparatuses face interruptions due to ink depletion, as existing methods for detecting ink levels in sub-tanks are influenced by deformation characteristics of flexible members, leading to variations in displacement detection and premature or delayed detection of ink depletion.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a pressurization unit that applies different pressures to flexible members in sub-tanks, allowing for controlled deformation and accurate detection of ink levels, minimizing pressure loss and ensuring timely replacement of ink supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If displacement of flexible members in sub-tanks is used to detect ink levels, then ink depletion can be detected, but variation in displacement due to deformation characteristics of flexible members leads to inaccurate or premature detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different pressures to flexible members in different sub-tanks using a pressurization unit. By controlling the pressure parameter, the system compensates for variations in flexible member deformation characteristics, ensuring that displacement accurately reflects ink level rather than material properties. This allows reliable detection of ink depletion across multiple sub-tanks with different flexible members.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple sub-tanks with different sizes are used to store liquid, then continuous operation can be maintained during ink tank replacement, but variation in flexible member deformation characteristics causes inconsistent displacement detection
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurization unit applies different pressures to flexible members in different sub-tanks based on their specific characteristics and sizes. This parameter control ensures that despite variations in sub-tank dimensions and flexible member properties, the displacement detection remains accurate and consistent across all tanks, enabling reliable ink level monitoring during continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses displacement sensors to detect flexible member displacement and provides feedback to determine ink levels. By combining this feedback with controlled pressurization, the system can accurately monitor ink depletion in multiple sub-tanks of different sizes, ensuring timely detection and seamless transition between tanks during continuous operation.
3Device complexity
If no pressurization is applied to flexible members, then the system structure remains simple, but deformation characteristics of flexible members cause great variation in displacement detection
Solution Approach 1:
The introduction of a pressurization unit that applies controlled pressure to flexible members adds a manageable level of complexity to the system. This pressure control parameter compensates for variations in flexible member deformation characteristics, significantly improving displacement measurement accuracy. The added complexity is justified by the substantial improvement in detection reliability and ink level measurement precision.
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
The solution ensures continuous operation by reliably detecting ink depletion and minimizing pressure loss, preventing interruptions and optimizing ink usage in the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurization unit that applies a different pressure to each of flexible members of the multiple sub-tanks
Implementation Method 2
a flexible member that is deformed in a concave shape according to an amount of negative pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a liquid ejecting apparatus including: a liquid ejecting head that ejects a liquid which is supplied from a liquid accommodation body that accommodates the liquid; a liquid supply passage that connects between the liquid accommodation body, and the liquid ejecting head; multiple sub-tanks, each of which stores the liquid within the ink supply passage and changes spatial capacity for storing the liquid by a displacement of a flexible member; and a pressurization mechanism that applies a different pressure to each of flexible members of the multiple sub-tanks.