Liquid Consuming System Order Timing via Usage Rate Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for ordering liquid cartridges in devices like printers rely solely on residual amount information, which may lead to inaccurate timing for replacement, potentially causing interruptions in printing due to insufficient ink.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the order date of liquid cartridges based on comprehensive information beyond residual amounts, including usage rates and tank capacities, ensuring timely replenishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If ordering is based solely on residual amount information, then the ordering process is simple, but the timing accuracy deteriorates leading to printing interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating the usage rate before the cartridge is completely depleted. It determines when to place an order in advance by analyzing historical usage data and predicting future depletion timing, ensuring a new cartridge arrives before the old one runs out, thus preventing printing interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the actual usage rate of the liquid cartridge and comparing it with predicted values. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust order timing dynamically based on real-world usage patterns, improving the accuracy of depletion predictions and ensuring reliable printing continuity.
2Loss of substance
If ordering is delayed until residual amount is low, then ink waste is minimized, but printing interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the depletion date using usage rate data before the cartridge is actually depleted. By determining the optimal order timing in advance based on projected depletion rather than waiting for low residual amounts, the system ensures timely delivery without causing printing interruptions or excessive ink waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adopts a dynamic approach by continuously updating the usage rate calculation as the cartridge is consumed. Rather than using a fixed threshold, the depletion date is recalculated based on current usage patterns, allowing the system to adapt to changing usage conditions and optimize both ink waste prevention and printing continuity.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive information including usage rate is used for ordering, then timing accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the usage rate by analyzing liquid consumption data over a predetermined period before finalizing the depletion date prediction. This advance calculation approach enables accurate timing predictions using comprehensive information without requiring complex real-time processing, thus improving measurement precision while managing system complexity.
4Reliability
If new cartridge is ordered before current cartridge is depleted, then printing continuity is maintained, but ink waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of the depletion date using usage rate analysis before placing the order. By calculating when the current cartridge will be depleted and timing the order accordingly, the system ensures the new cartridge arrives just in time - maintaining printing continuity while avoiding premature delivery that would cause ink waste from the old cartridge.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A liquid consuming system includes: an installation case (150) configured to receive a cartridge (200) having a first liquid chamber (210) storing a liquid; a tank (160) including a second liquid chamber (171); a flow path (181) configured to communicate with the second liquid chamber (171) and the first liquid chamber (210) of the cartridge installed in the installation case; a head (21) communicated with the second liquid chamber; a first communication interface (44); and a controller system (130+45) configured to: determine a residual amount including at least an amount of liquid in the second liquid chamber of the tank; determine whether the determined residual amount reaches a predetermined amount; and based on determining that the determined residual amount reaches the predetermined amount, transmit first information through the first communication interface, the first information indicating an order instruction of the cartridge.