Magnetic Ink Level Detection in Liquid Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting systems, such as inkjet printers, face issues with accurately determining the remaining ink level in cartridges due to factors like bubble formation, deformation of ink chamber walls, and improper mounting, leading to incorrect ink level detection and potential ink leakage.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a magnetic field to detect the movement of a pivotable member within the ink cartridge, which is affected by the ink level, allowing for accurate determination of the cartridge's normalcy and preventing ink leakage by moving the pivotable member without physical contact, thus overcoming issues related to surface tension and bubble interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pivotable member with a float is used to detect ink level, then ink level detection is enabled, but bubble formation and surface tension cause incorrect detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float-based detection system with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnetic detector detects the position of a magnetic member that moves with the ink level, eliminating the need for a mechanical float that is susceptible to bubble interference and surface tension effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the ink level and the detection mechanism. The magnetic member responds to ink level changes, and the magnetic detector senses the magnetic field changes, providing indirect but reliable detection that is not affected by bubbles or surface tension.
2Reliability
If a purge operation is performed to clear nozzles, then nozzle clogging is removed, but time is lost and ink is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of ink level and cartridge status through the magnetic detection system. This feedback allows the system to detect potential issues early (such as low ink levels or abnormal cartridge conditions) and take preventive actions before nozzle clogging occurs, avoiding the need for time-consuming purge operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of ink level and cartridge normality using the magnetic detection system. By detecting issues before they lead to nozzle clogging, the system can prompt users to replace cartridges or refill ink in advance, preventing the need for corrective purge operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ink chamber wall deforms, then the chamber adapts to pressure changes, but pivotable member movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float that moves with ink level changes with a magnetic member coupled to a detection mechanism. This substitution eliminates the problem of the float being restricted by deformed ink chamber walls, as the magnetic field can penetrate the walls and detect position changes without requiring physical movement through the deformed space.
4Measurement precision
If a light blocking portion is used to detect ink level, then optical detection is enabled, but light absorption by ink affects accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetic detector senses the position of the magnetic member through magnetic field interactions, which are not affected by light absorption properties of the ink, thereby eliminating the detection errors caused by varying ink transparency and absorption.
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 approach enables early detection of abnormal cartridges, prevents ink leakage, and ensures accurate ink level monitoring, improving the reliability and efficiency of the liquid ejecting process.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generator positioned below the pivotable member and configured to generate a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the pivotable member comprises a ferromagnetic portion positioned above the magnetic field generator
Implementation Method 3
the pivotable member includes a float portion having a specific gravity which is less than a specific gravity of ink stored in the ink chamber
Implementation Method 4
an optical detector having a light emitter and a light receiver
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3
AI summary
A liquid ejecting system includes a liquid cartridge, a mounting portion to which the liquid cartridge is mounted, a mount detector configured to detect the liquid cartridge mounted to the mounting portion, an optical detector comprising a light emitter and a light receiver, a magnetic field generator, a magnetic field controller, and a state determiner configured to determine a state of the liquid cartridge. The liquid cartridge includes a liquid chamber for storing liquid, and a pivotable member configured to move relative to a position of a surface of the liquid in the liquid chamber, and a contact portion. The pivotable member comprises a ferromagnetic portion. The magnetic field generator is configured to generate a magnetic field from which the ferromagnetic portion receives a force. The magnetic field controller is configured to control the magnetic field generator such that strength of the magnetic field around the ferromagnetic portion changes.