Liquid Container Detection Chamber Ridgeline Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid residue detection systems in inkjet printing apparatuses face precision issues due to capillary phenomena between the displacement member and the detection window, leading to reduced light transmission and inaccurate residue detection.
Innovation Solution
A liquid container design with a displacement member that includes a light shielding part and a regulating member, where the inner wall of the detection chamber features a ridgeline with an inter-surface angle greater than 180 degrees, preventing capillary forces from interfering with the displacement member's movement and ensuring precise detection by optimizing the distance between the light shielding part and the detection window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the displacement member is placed close to the detection window to improve detection precision, then the detection precision is improved, but capillary forces interfere with the displacement member's movement
Solution Approach 1:
A convex portion is provided on the inner wall of the detection chamber at a position facing the displacement member. This convex portion acts as an intermediary structure that prevents capillary forces from acting directly on the displacement member while maintaining the proximity needed for accurate optical detection. The convex portion interrupts the capillary action path between the liquid and the displacement member.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by introducing a spatial dimension - the convex portion protrudes into the detection chamber from the inner wall, creating a three-dimensional structure that addresses the two-dimensional conflict between proximity (for detection precision) and capillary force interference. This geometric feature in the third dimension (depth from the wall) resolves the contradiction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a convex portion is provided on the displacement member to prevent capillary forces, then capillary interference is reduced, but the distance between the light shielding part and detection window increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convex portion on the inner wall serves as a mediator that prevents capillary interference without requiring the displacement member itself to have protruding features. This intermediary structure maintains the optimal distance between the light shielding part and detection window while still eliminating capillary effects.
3Measurement precision
If the displacement member is smoothly displaced to accurately reflect liquid consumption, then detection accuracy is improved, but surface tension influences the displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The convex portion on the inner wall acts as a mediator that blocks surface tension forces from acting on the displacement member. By positioning this convex feature between the liquid and the displacement member, the capillary action path is interrupted, allowing the displacement member to move freely according to liquid level changes without surface tension interference.
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 allows for accurate detection of ink residue levels by preventing ink from being held between the displacement member and the detection window, ensuring high precision in determining the amount of ink residue.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor which detects light transmitted through the liquid container
Implementation Method 2
an inner wall of the detection chamber has a first area that faces the light shielding part and at least of a portion of that is formed of a material transmitting the light of the optical sensor and a second area that faces the regulating member in the second direction, and the first area and the second area are connected via a ridgeline having an inter-surface angle larger than 180 degrees
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid container can be mounted to an apparatus in which an optical sensor is installed. The liquid container has a reservoir storing a liquid, a detection chamber communicates with the reservoir and a displacement member displacing according to an amount of liquid stored in the reservoir. The displacement member has a light shielding part that moves in a first direction between a position where light of the optical sensor is shielded and a position where the light is not shielded and a regulating member regulating movement of the displacement member in a direction crossing the first direction. An inner wall of the detection chamber has a first area facing the light shielding part and transmitting the light of the optical sensor and a second area facing the regulating member. The first area and the second area are connected via a ridgeline having an inter-surface angle larger than 180 degrees.