Liquid Cartridge Sensor Alignment for Fluid Communication Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cartridges for inkjet recording apparatuses fail to accurately detect fluid communication between the liquid storing section and the ejecting head, and there is a need to improve space efficiency in wiring for detection.
Innovation Solution
A liquid cartridge design that includes a housing with a liquid storing section, a channel member, a movable member, a sensor, and a sensor-signal output terminal, where the sensor generates a signal based on the movable member's position in the liquid channel, and the signal is output through a wiring line to detect the fluid communication and improve mounting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electrode and resistance label are used to detect cartridge mounting, then mounting detection is achieved, but fluid communication detection between liquid storing section and ejecting head cannot be performed appropriately
Solution Approach 1:
A movable member is introduced as an intermediary element that moves in response to liquid flow within the channel member. This movable member serves as a mediator between the fluid communication state and the sensor, translating fluid dynamics into detectable positional changes. The sensor then detects the position of this intermediary to determine fluid communication status, achieving reliable detection that direct electrode-contact methods cannot provide.
2Device complexity
If traditional wiring layout is used in liquid cartridge, then manufacturing is simple, but space efficiency of wiring for detection is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor and sensor-signal output terminal are positioned on the first outer surface of the housing, while the discharge port is on the second outer surface. The channel member is arranged closer to the second outer surface than the liquid storing section, creating a three-dimensional spatial distribution of components. This dimensional arrangement optimizes wiring space efficiency by distributing components across multiple surfaces and depth levels, reducing wiring length and improving space utilization without complicating the manufacturing process.
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 design allows for accurate detection of fluid communication between the liquid storing section and the ejecting head, enhancing the space efficiency of the wiring and simplifying the mounting process.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is configured to generate a signal based on a position of the movable member in the liquid channel
Data Source
AI summary
Second and third outer surfaces intersect a first outer surface, and are spaced from each other. A sensor-signal output terminal is disposed on the first outer surface. A discharge port is disposed on the second outer surface. A channel member is closer to the second outer surface than a liquid storing section is. First and second directions are perpendicular to the first and second outer surfaces, respectively. A third direction is perpendicular to the first and second directions. When a space is divided by an imaginary line parallel to the first direction, as viewed from the third direction, into a first region in which the channel member is disposed and a second region in which the liquid storing section is disposed, the sensor and terminal are disposed in the first region. The liquid channel extends linearly in the second direction. The sensor and terminal are aligned in the first direction.