Liquid Cartridge with Movable Light Source for Multi-Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cartridge systems can only detect residual liquid levels at a single level, limiting their ability to accurately monitor ink levels in inkjet printers, and increasing the number of sensors to detect multiple levels increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A liquid cartridge design with a moving light-emitting element and a light outlet within the cartridge, allowing the detection of multiple liquid levels by varying the position of the light irradiation based on the ink level, using a float and arm mechanism to move the light-emitting element and guide light through a light-transmission portion, enabling detection of two or more liquid levels without the need for multiple sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to detect liquid level, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision is limited to a single level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light-emitting element movable by coupling it to the float mechanism. As the liquid level changes, the float moves vertically, carrying the light-emitting element along with it. This dynamic positioning allows a single light-emitting element to occupy multiple detection positions, enabling detection of multiple liquid levels without requiring multiple fixed sensors, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The light-emitting element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the light source and the detection probe at different positions. By making it movable through the float linkage, a single component performs the work of multiple fixed sensors would otherwise be needed, achieving multi-functionality that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining multi-level detection capability
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect multiple liquid levels, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light-emitting element with the float mechanism, merging two previously separate functions (light emission and level indication) into a single integrated system. This consolidation allows the light-emitting element to automatically position itself at different detection levels based on liquid level, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-level detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the liquid level itself to position the light-emitting element through the float mechanism. The buoyant force of the float automatically adjusts the position of the light-emitting element according to the liquid level, eliminating the need for external control systems or multiple fixed sensors. The system serves itself by using the measured parameter (liquid level) to control the detection position
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
Enables accurate detection of multiple liquid levels within the cartridge, improving ink usage efficiency and reducing the need for additional sensors, thus lowering costs and enhancing detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting element configured to emit light and move in conjunction with the movement of the moving member; and a light outlet configured to irradiate the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward outside of the main body via the light-transmission portion
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cartridge detachably loadable in a cartridge loading section of a liquid supplying device is provided. The liquid cartridge includes: a main body defining therewithin a liquid accommodation chamber storing liquid therein, the liquid accommodation chamber having a light-transmission portion transmitting light therethrough; a moving member disposed within the liquid accommodation chamber and configured to move in accordance with an amount of the liquid; a light-emitting element configured to emit light and move in conjunction with the movement of the moving member; and a light outlet configured to irradiate the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward outside of the main body via the light-transmission portion.