Magnetic Ink Level Sensor for Continuous Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink liquid level height measuring apparatuses in inkjet-type image forming systems can only detect discrete upper and lower limits of the liquid level, making it difficult to determine the failure of the ink supply apparatus and resulting in insufficient accuracy for continuous liquid level height measurement.
Innovation Solution
An ink liquid level height measuring apparatus that includes a detector to continuously measure changes in physical quantities associated with the liquid level height, such as magnetic flux density, using a magnetic sensor and a magnetic body, allowing for continuous and accurate measurement of the liquid level height, and a hardware processor to determine the liquid level height and the state of the ink supply system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete liquid level detection (upper and lower limits) is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of liquid level height is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical float-based discrete level detection with a magnetic field-based continuous detection system. A magnetic sensor detects changes in magnetic flux density caused by the magnetic body's position, enabling continuous liquid level height measurement without mechanical moving parts, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic body as an intermediary between the liquid and the magnetic sensor. The magnetic body's position changes with liquid level, and the magnetic sensor detects the magnetic flux density changes caused by the magnetic body's position, indirectly measuring the liquid level height continuously with high precision.
2Reliability
If discrete liquid level detection is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of ink supply failure detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring the magnetic flux density changes that correspond to liquid level height. This continuous feedback enables reliable detection of ink supply failures by tracking the liquid level height over time and comparing it with expected values, allowing timely detection of supply problems while maintaining simple operation through automated monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If continuous liquid level height measurement is implemented, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical continuous level measurement systems with a simpler magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetic sensor and magnetic body configuration enables continuous measurement through non-contact magnetic field detection, achieving high measurement precision with reduced mechanical complexity.
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 continuous and accurate measurement of the ink liquid level height, allowing for timely detection of ink supply failures and prediction of deterioration, thereby preventing printer stoppages and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a detector that detects, as a continuous value, a change in a physical quantity associated with a change in a liquid level height of ink in a container
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ink liquid level height measuring apparatus that includes: a detector that detects, as a continuous value, a change in a physical quantity associated with a change in a liquid level height of ink in a container; and at least one hardware processor. The at least one hardware processor obtains the liquid level height based on the physical quantity that has been detected.