Liquid Discharge Apparatus Real-Time Tank Level Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid discharge apparatuses face challenges in individually perceiving the amounts of liquids stored in the main tank and sub-tank until they reach an equivalent state, where the liquid levels are at the same height, due to the water head difference between the two.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus calculates the outflow amounts between the chambers based on discharge amounts and flow path resistances, reads liquid amounts from memory, updates these amounts, and stores them, allowing for real-time perception of liquid levels in both chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the main tank and sub-tank are connected with open internal spaces to the atmosphere, then the liquid levels automatically equalize through water head difference, but the system cannot individually perceive the liquid amounts in each chamber until they reach equivalent state
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by installing liquid level sensors in both the main tank and sub-tank to detect liquid levels before the tanks reach equivalent state. The controller continuously monitors these levels and calculates liquid amounts based on sensor readings, flow path resistances, and discharge amounts, enabling early perception of liquid distribution without waiting for automatic equalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously reading liquid level data from sensors in both chambers, comparing the levels, and calculating the liquid amount distribution based on the water head difference and flow path characteristics. This feedback loop allows the controller to determine liquid amounts in real-time rather than waiting for equivalent state.
2Measurement precision
If the system waits for liquid levels to equalize before measuring liquid amounts, then measurement is simplified, but productivity is reduced due to waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical waiting process for liquid level equalization with an electronic calculation system. The controller uses liquid level sensor readings, pre-stored flow path resistance data, and discharge amount information to computationally determine liquid amount distribution instantaneously, substituting the time-consuming physical equalization process with rapid electronic computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces liquid level sensors as intermediaries to measure the water head difference between chambers. These sensors provide real-time data to the controller, which then calculates liquid amounts based on the measured difference and known flow path characteristics, enabling indirect measurement without waiting for direct level equalization.
3Measurement precision
If liquid level sensors are installed in both chambers to detect levels independently, then liquid amounts can be perceived early, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid level sensors installed in both chambers serve multiple functions: they detect liquid levels for amount calculation, monitor water head difference for flow control, and provide data for both main tank and sub-tank measurements simultaneously. This multi-functionality justifies the added sensor complexity by enabling comprehensive liquid management.
4Measurement precision
If the system calculates liquid amounts based on real-time data and flow path resistances, then accurate perception is achieved, but processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing flow path resistance data in memory before operation. During liquid amount calculation, the controller retrieves this pre-stored data and combines it with current sensor readings and discharge amounts, reducing real-time computational complexity compared to calculating flow dynamics from scratch.
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 solution enables accurate calculation and perception of liquid amounts in both chambers, even when the liquid levels are not initially flush, reducing processing load and ensuring timely updates.
Implementation Method 1
when the main tank is installed in the inkjet printer, the ink moves so that liquid levels of the main tank and the sub-tank are to be the same height, by a difference (hereinafter, referred to as 'water head difference') between a water head of the internal space of the main tank and a water head of the internal space of the sub-tank
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a case receiving a cartridge having a first chamber, a tank having a second chamber, a head, and a controller to: calculate outflow amount Qa flowed from the second chamber for a time period Δt based on discharge amount Dh; calculate outflow amount Qc flowed from the first chamber toward the second chamber for the time period Δt based on the outflow amount Qa and flow path resistances; read liquid amounts Vc and Vs of the first and second chambers from a memory; subtract the outflow amount Qc from the read liquid amount Vc to calculate new liquid amount Vc; subtract the outflow amount Qa from the read liquid amount Vs and add the outflow amount Qc to calculate new liquid amount Vs; and store the calculated liquid amounts Vc and Vs in the memory.