Liquid Consuming Device Dynamic Display for Tank Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of liquid consuming devices, such as printers, cannot easily determine the remaining liquid amount in the tank, separate from the cartridge, as existing systems only display information for the cartridge.
Innovation Solution
A liquid consuming device with an attachment case, a tank, and a display system that shows the remaining liquid amount in both the cartridge and tank, using channels and sensors to track and display the levels, allowing the controller to switch between screens indicating the status of each based on predetermined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the display shows only the cartridge liquid remainder amount, then the display is simple and easy to understand, but the user cannot recognize the liquid remainder amount in the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The display dynamically changes its content based on the liquid remainder amount in the cartridge. When the cartridge liquid level is above the threshold, the display shows cartridge information. When the cartridge liquid level falls below the threshold, the display automatically switches to show tank liquid level information, providing relevant information at different operational stages without requiring a complex fixed display system
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid supply system is segmented into two distinct components: a removable cartridge and a fixed tank. Each component has its own liquid level detection system, allowing independent monitoring. This segmentation enables the display to show information from different segments based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and display simplicity
2Loss of information
If the system monitors both cartridge and tank liquid levels, then complete liquid status information is provided, but the display and control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-sets a threshold value for the cartridge liquid remainder amount. Before the cartridge is completely empty, the system proactively switches display information when the threshold is reached, alerting users to the tank's liquid level in advance. This preliminary action prevents information loss without requiring complex real-time analysis of both liquid levels simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the liquid level sensors and the display system. It receives signals from both cartridge and tank level sensors, processes the information according to the threshold criterion, and selectively outputs appropriate information to the display. This intermediary function simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic
3Reliability
If the display switches between cartridge and tank information, then complete liquid monitoring is achieved, but the response time and control logic become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic applies different monitoring criteria to different parts of the system. The cartridge is monitored with a threshold-based criterion, while the tank is monitored continuously. This local differentiation in monitoring quality allows reliable liquid level tracking without requiring complex control logic for both components simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid consuming device, including an attachment case, to which a cartridge including a first compartment is attachable, a first channel connectable with the first compartment, a tank including a second compartment connected with the first channel, a second channel connected with the second compartment, a head connected with the second channel, a display, and a controller, is provided. The controller controls, in response to a first remainder amount being an amount of a liquid in the cartridge being greater than or equal to a first predetermined amount, the display to display a first screen including a first object indicating the first remainder amount, and controls, in response to the first remainder amount being smaller than the first predetermined amount, the display to display the first screen including a second object, which indicates a second remainder amount being an amount of the liquid in the tank.