Liquid Discharge Device Ink Level Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge devices, such as inkjet printers, face challenges in accurately monitoring and managing the ink levels in both the main tank and sub-tank, leading to potential air entry into the image recording unit when ink levels are low, necessitating a solution to individually track the ink amounts in each chamber.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge device comprising a cartridge with a first liquid chamber, a tank with a second liquid chamber, a head, a liquid level sensor, and a controller that calculates the total liquid amount by subtracting discharge instructions from a fixed value, determining the ink amounts in both chambers based on this calculation, and updating counts to manage ink levels and prevent air entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the main tank and sub tank are both open to air and rely on water head pressure alignment, then the liquid levels can be automatically balanced, but it becomes difficult to individually monitor and manage the ink amounts in each chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication mechanism (intermediary) between the cartridge and main tank that allows the controller to receive signals about liquid levels and discharge amounts. This intermediary system enables individual monitoring of each chamber's ink amount while maintaining the automatic balancing feature, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the cartridge and main tank send liquid level information to the controller, which then manages discharge instructions. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain automatic water head pressure alignment while precisely tracking individual chamber ink levels through continuous monitoring and controller management.
2Device complexity
If the system uses a simple water head pressure alignment mechanism, then the structure remains simple, but air may enter the image recording unit when ink levels are low and undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the controller proactively manage discharge instructions based on received liquid level information before air can enter the image recording unit. The controller calculates appropriate discharge amounts and sends instructions in advance, preventing the harmful condition of air entry while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service mechanisms where the cartridge and main tank automatically provide liquid level information to the controller without external intervention. This self-service information provision enables reliable prevention of air entry while keeping the overall structure simple and avoiding complex external monitoring systems.
3Measurement precision
If the controller manages discharge instructions based on received liquid level information, then individual chamber ink amounts can be tracked, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring and control functions by having the cartridge and main tank independently provide their liquid level information to the controller. This segmentation allows precise tracking of individual chamber ink amounts while distributing the system complexity across separate components rather than concentrating it in a single complex unit.
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
Enables precise monitoring and management of ink levels, preventing air entry into the image recording unit and notifying users when ink levels are low, ensuring optimal printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid level sensor configured to: receive a first signal in a case a position of a liquid level in the second liquid chamber is equal to or higher than a predetermined position; receive a second signal in a case the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is lower than the predetermined position
Implementation Method 2
subtract a second count value from the total liquid amount Vt determined as the fixed value A to calculate the total liquid amount Vt
Implementation Method 3
when the main tank is installed in the inkjet printer, the ink moves due to a water head pressure so that the liquid level of the main tank and the liquid level of the sub tank are aligned with the same height by the difference between a water head in the internal space of the main tank and a water head in the internal space of the sub tank
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge device includes a case receiving a cartridge having a first liquid chamber, a tank having a second liquid chamber, a head, a liquid level sensor and a controller configured to: based on receiving, from the liquid level sensor, a second signal after receiving a first signal, determine a total liquid amount Vt as a fixed value A; receive a second discharge instruction; update a second count value with a value equivalent to an amount of the liquid instructed to be discharged by the second discharge instruction; subtract the second count value from the total liquid amount Vt determined as the fixed value A to calculate the total liquid amount Vt; and determine the liquid amounts Vc and Vs based on the obtained total liquid amount Vt.