Liquid Cartridge Positioning for Stable Ink Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid cartridges, such as ink cartridges for inkjet recording apparatuses, experience unstable posture when attached due to the significant up-down movement of their engaging mechanisms, leading to potential deviations and inaccuracies in ink level detection by sensors.
Innovation Solution
The engaging surface and electrical interface of the liquid cartridge are positioned closer to the liquid supply portion than the light-receiving portion, reducing positional deviation and allowing the engaging surface to function as both an engaging and electrical contact, with a recessed portion and flexible circuit board for enhanced stability and rearward movement restriction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the engaging mechanism is positioned away from the pivot center to enable easy engagement and disengagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the position stability of the engaging mechanism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the engaging surface in the front-rear direction closer to the pivot center than the light-receiving portion, creating a multi-dimensional spatial arrangement. This dimensional optimization allows the engaging mechanism to be close to the pivot center for stability while still being accessible for engagement operations, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and position stability.
2Ease of operation
If the engaging mechanism is moved significantly in the up-down direction during pivotal movement, then the ease of operation for engagement and disengagement is improved, but the measurement precision of sensors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the front-rear direction positioning of the engaging surface relative to the pivot center, creating a multi-dimensional spatial arrangement. This allows the engaging mechanism to maintain stable position during pivotal movement while remaining accessible for engagement operations, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If the engaging surface is positioned farther away from the pivot center, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the liquid cartridge posture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the engaging surface in the front-rear direction closer to the pivot center than the light-receiving portion, creating an optimized multi-dimensional spatial arrangement. This positioning ensures that the engaging mechanism remains close to the pivot center for stability while still being accessible for engagement operations, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and posture stability.
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 maintains a stable posture of the liquid cartridge, improves detection accuracy by minimizing positional deviations, and ensures reliable engagement and electrical connection, enhancing the overall attachment and operation of the cartridge.
Implementation Method 1
a light-receiving portion configured to receive the light emitted from the light-emitting portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A liquid cartridge includes: a front surface facing frontward, a rear surface spaced apart from the front surface, an upper surface facing upward and is disposed between the front surface and the rear surface, a liquid supply portion provided at the front surface, a detection portion, an electrical interface disposed at the upper surface, and an engaging surface. The detection portion includes a light-receiving portion configured to receive incident light thereon. The light-receiving portion is positioned upward relative to the upper surface and configured to change a state of the light depending on a state of the liquid cartridge. The engaging surface faces rearward and configured to be engaged with an external member such that the engagement between the engaging surface and the external member restricts the liquid cartridge from moving rearward. The electrical interface and the engaging surface are positioned frontward relative to the light-receiving portion.