Liquid Cartridge Viscosity Measurement via Movable Float
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink-jet recording apparatuses cannot accurately estimate the viscosity of ink stored in an ink container, especially when the ink has not been mounted or has changed over time, and they do not utilize direct physical measurements for viscosity estimation.
Innovation Solution
A liquid cartridge design that includes a movable member which moves within the ink chamber, allowing for the measurement of physical quantities related to viscosity by detecting the velocity changes caused by viscous and inertial resistances, enabling direct estimation of ink viscosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a known ink-jet recording apparatus estimates viscosity based on elapsed time and ink remaining amount, then viscosity estimation is performed without direct measurement, but the estimation accuracy is insufficient especially for unused or long-stored ink
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex indirect estimation methods with a simple mechanical measurement system. A movable member (float) that moves vertically in the ink chamber provides direct mechanical measurement of viscosity through its movement velocity, eliminating the need for complex calculation-based estimation while achieving accurate viscosity measurement even for unused or long-stored ink.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member automatically moves through the ink based on buoyancy and viscous resistance, performing the viscosity measurement function without requiring external actuation or complex measurement systems. The ink itself serves as the medium that both resists the movement and provides the measurement information through the movement characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If the movable member moves within the ink chamber to enable direct viscosity measurement, then accurate viscosity estimation is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member serves multiple functions: it acts as a float for viscosity measurement, a detection target for the sensor system, and an indicator for ink level monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member acts as an intermediary between the ink's viscous properties and the detection system. It translates the ink's resistance to flow into measurable positional and velocity information that can be detected by external sensors, enabling accurate viscosity measurement without direct contact between sensors and ink.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the movable member is restricted by a restriction member to prevent movement, then the member remains fixed during storage, but the member must be released to enable viscosity measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction member is pre-configured to automatically engage with the movable member during cartridge assembly or storage, eliminating the need for manual positioning or complex locking mechanisms. The restriction is built-in and requires no additional operation to establish, yet can be easily released when measurement is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static restricted state during storage to a dynamic measurement state when needed. The restriction member allows easy transition between these states, providing stability when required and freedom of movement when required, adapting to the operational needs of the cartridge.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cartridge includes a movable member and the movable member includes a detection portion and a float. The liquid cartridge also includes a restriction member and the restriction member includes an operation portion and a restriction portion. When the operation portion is in a first position, the restriction portion is configured to contact the movable member such that the movement of the float is restricted within a restricted range. When the operation portion is in a second position, the restriction portion is configured to release the movable member such that the float is positioned in a free range which is above the restricted range.