Magnetic Pivot Unit for Ink Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing inkjet printing systems, the pivotal movement of a pivot member used to detect ink levels can be hindered by thickened or solidified ink near the shaft, leading to inaccurate detection of remaining ink amounts.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic pivot unit is introduced, comprising a magnetic member on the float and an electromagnet, which forces the pivot member to move even when ink is thickened or solidified, ensuring accurate detection by alternately energizing the electromagnet to attract the float and allowing it to pivot, thus preventing hindrance by thickened ink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pivot member is disposed in the ink chamber to detect ink levels, then the detection function is enabled, but the pivotal movement is hindered by thickened or solidified ink near the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary force to act on the float without direct mechanical contact with the ink. The electromagnet generates a magnetic field that attracts the float through the ink medium, enabling pivotal movement without the float's shaft needing to physically penetrate or contact the ink, thus avoiding ink solidification issues at the rotation point
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical direct-contact system is replaced with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Instead of using a mechanical drive mechanism that would require physical contact with the ink environment, the patent uses electromagnetic attraction to move the float, substituting mechanical force transmission with field-based force transmission that does not suffer from ink viscosity or solidification problems
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pivot member remains stationary to maintain detection position, then detection stability is maintained, but thickened ink prevents necessary pivotal movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static mechanical connection to a dynamic magnetic field-based actuation. The electromagnet can be activated or deactivated as needed, allowing the float to dynamically pivot when movement is required while maintaining stable detection positions when the electromagnet is inactive, adapting the system's rigidity based on operational needs
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
The magnetic pivot unit effectively prevents the pivotal movement of the pivot member from being hindered by thickened or solidified ink, maintaining accurate detection of ink levels and prompting timely replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic pivot unit is introduced, comprising a magnetic member on the float and an electromagnet, which forces the pivot member to move even when ink is thickened or solidified
Implementation Method 2
a member including a float having a specific gravity smaller than that of ink is included in a revolvable manner inside a chamber for storing ink
Data Source
AI summary
A technique with which deterioration in a function of detecting the remaining amount of liquid can be prevented even in a case where the liquid is thickened or solidified is to be provided. A liquid ejection apparatus is provided with a liquid ejection head configured to eject supplied liquid, a storage unit configured to store the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection head, a pivot member configured to be immersed in the liquid stored in the storage unit and be revolvable according to the amount of the liquid, and a detection unit configured to detect the amount of the liquid by use of the pivot member, and the liquid ejection apparatus includes a pivot unit configured to force the pivot member to pivotally move.