Liquid Ejection Apparatus Partition Wall Electrode Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for detecting the remaining amount of conductive liquid in storage containers face challenges due to the minute change in resistance values between electrode pins, making it difficult to accurately determine the liquid level.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus and storage device that utilize a storage container with a partition wall and two liquid chambers, each housing an electrode. The apparatus includes a detection unit that outputs a signal based on the electrical contact between the electrodes and the liquid, allowing for accurate determination of the liquid level through openings above and below the partition wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two rod-shaped electrode pins are disposed in the storage container to detect liquid level based on resistance value, then the detection method is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient because the amount of change in resistance value is minute
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into a first liquid chamber and a second liquid chamber by a partition wall, with each chamber containing an electrode. This segmentation allows the liquid level to be detected at different positions (above and below the partition wall), creating distinct detection states that improve measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection approach transitions from a single-point resistance measurement to a multi-level detection system where electrodes are positioned at different vertical locations relative to the partition wall. This dimensional arrangement enables detection of liquid level changes at multiple positions, significantly improving measurement precision
2Device complexity
If a single resistance measurement is used to determine liquid level, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of liquid level detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the detection system into multiple chambers with electrodes at different positions, the patent creates multiple detection reference points. This segmentation enables more reliable liquid level detection by providing distinct electrical states for different liquid levels, while the overall device structure remains relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall acts as an intermediary element that creates distinct electrical environments in the first and second liquid chambers. This intermediary structure enables reliable detection by creating clear electrical state transitions when the liquid level changes relative to the partition wall
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 precise detection of the remaining liquid amount by significantly changing the output signal at specific liquid levels, improving accuracy compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a first opening communicating the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber with each other is formed below the partition wall, a second opening communicating the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber with each other is formed above the partition wall, and when the liquid stored in the storage container is present in the first opening and the second opening, the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with the liquid stored in the storage container
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a storage container configured to store a liquid having conductivity, a first electrode housed in a first liquid chamber, a second electrode housed in a second liquid chamber, a partition wall configured to partition the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber, a detection unit configured to output a detection signal corresponding to an electrical signal from one of the first electrode and the second electrode, and an identification unit configured to identify a remaining amount of the liquid, wherein a first opening is formed below the partition wall, a second opening is formed above the partition wall, and when the liquid stored in the storage container is present in the first opening and the second opening, the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with the liquid stored in the storage container.