Liquid Supply System with Mounting Detection and Conditional Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid supply systems for printers and similar devices, the ink supply can be disrupted due to the attachable and detachable configuration of additional ink tanks, leading to inconsistent ink delivery to the print head, regardless of the pump's operation.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supply system with a common mounting portion, a relay flow path, a mounting target detection unit, and a pressurization supply unit that drives the liquid supply only when specific conditions are met, ensuring appropriate ink delivery based on the mounting state of the liquid storage bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the additional ink tank is configured to be attachable and detachable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of ink supply deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the mounting state before initiating ink supply. The mounting state detection unit checks whether the additional ink tank is properly mounted, and only then does the control unit activate the ink supply pump. This preliminary action prevents unreliable ink supply by ensuring proper mounting before operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the mounting state detection unit continuously monitors the mounting status of the additional ink tank and provides this information to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the operation of the ink supply pump accordingly, ensuring reliable ink supply only when the tank is properly mounted.
2Productivity
If the pressurization supply unit is driven continuously, then the productivity is improved, but the loss of energy worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of the pressurization supply unit based on real-time mounting state detection. Instead of continuous operation, the pump is activated only when the detection unit confirms proper mounting of the additional ink tank. This dynamic control maintains productivity when needed while eliminating energy waste during improper mounting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic detection and conditional activation rather than continuous operation. The mounting state is detected at specific intervals or triggering events, and the pressurization supply unit is activated periodically only when conditions are satisfied. This periodic action pattern reduces energy consumption compared to continuous driving while maintaining adequate productivity.
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
Ensures reliable and efficient ink supply by driving the pressurization unit only when the liquid is in a pressurizable state and the mounting body is correctly attached, preventing wasteful operation and maintaining consistent ink delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurization supply unit which supplies the liquid which is stored in the second liquid storage body to the substitute mounting body under pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid supply system includes a common mounting portion into which a first liquid storage body capable of storing a liquid and a substitute mounting body which is connected to a second liquid storage body capable of storing a liquid can be exchangeably mounted, a mounting target detection unit capable of detecting whether or not the first liquid storage body and the substitute mounting body are mounted to the common mounting portion, a pressurization supply unit which supplies the liquid which is stored in the second liquid storage body to the substitute mounting body under pressure, and a control unit which drives the pressure supply unit when a plurality of control conditions are satisfied.