Liquid Cartridge Detection Section for Inkjet Printer Residual Level Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid cartridges in recording devices, such as inkjet printers, face challenges in detecting remaining liquid levels without increasing the device's cost or size, particularly when using optical sensors that move relative to the cartridge or require multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
A liquid cartridge design featuring a movable detection section within the cartridge that alternates between light-transmitting and light-blocking sections, allowing for accurate liquid level detection using a single external light detector, which moves in conjunction with a float as the liquid level changes, enabling reliable residual liquid detection without increasing the number of components or device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical sensor is configured to move relative to a liquid cartridge to detect residual liquid, then liquid level detection is enabled, but dimensions of the recording device increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the optical sensor relative to the cartridge to detect liquid level, the patent inverts the approach by making the detection section itself movable within the cartridge. The detection section moves along a predetermined path in conjunction with the float, while the optical sensor remains stationary, thereby enabling detection without increasing device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detection section as an intermediary component between the liquid cartridge and the optical sensor. This detection section includes light-transmitting and light-blocking portions that move with the float, converting the liquid level position into detectable optical signal variations without requiring direct movement of the sensor.
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical sensors are employed to detect residual liquid amounts, then detection accuracy is improved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection section is segmented into multiple light-transmitting and light-blocking portions arranged alternately. As this segmented detection section moves to different positions, different segments block the light path, creating distinct detection patterns that enable accurate determination of liquid levels at various stages without requiring multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection section moves periodically along a predetermined path, causing the light-blocking portions to alternately interrupt the light path in a periodic manner. This periodic action creates a sequence of detection signals that encode the liquid level information, enabling accurate measurement with a single sensor.
3Measurement precision
If a detection section with alternating light-transmitting and light-blocking sections is used, then residual liquid detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the float mechanism with the detection section into a single integrated assembly. The detection section moves in conjunction with the float along a predetermined path, merging the liquid level sensing function with the optical detection function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection section utilizes the existing float movement and light source already present in the system. By making the detection section movable and using the existing optical path, the system achieves accurate detection without requiring additional complex mechanisms or external 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 allows for reliable detection of remaining liquid levels in the cartridge, preventing premature replacement and maintaining cost-effectiveness by using a compact detection system that adapts to changing liquid levels without requiring additional sensors or increased device dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting section that emits light and a light receiving section that receives the light
Implementation Method 2
a float movably disposed in the liquid accommodating chamber, and a detection section to be detected by an external light detector
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cartridge mountable in a recording device includes a liquid accommodating chamber that accommodates liquid therein, a float movably disposed in the liquid accommodating chamber, and a detection section to be detected by an external light detector for determining remaining amounts of the liquid in the liquid accommodating chamber. The detection section is movably disposed in the liquid accommodating chamber to move along a predetermined path in conjunction with movements of the float. The light detector includes a light emitting section that emits light and a light receiving section that receives the light. The detection section includes a first section and a second section; the first section transmits the light when the first section is in a detection point, while the second section blocks the light, the first section and the second section being arranged alternately. An amount of liquid accommodated in the liquid accommodating chamber when the liquid cartridge is mounted in the recording device is determined based on a number of times the light emitted from the light emitting section traverses the alternately arranged first and second sections during mounting the liquid cartridge in a mounting direction in the recording device.