Movable Plate Member for Single-Sensor Ink Cartridge Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inkjet recording apparatuses require multiple sensors for ink cartridge detection and attachment, which increases design complexity and production costs, and are prone to damage from impacts during handling or falls.

Innovation Solution

A liquid cartridge design with a movable plate member and optical access portion that allows detection by a single sensor, reducing sensor count and minimizing damage risk from impacts by changing its position in response to attachment or falls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are provided in the printer for ink cartridge detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsensor count

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single sensor by using a light-shielding plate that can be positioned at different locations. The same sensor detects both the light-shielding plate for attachment detection and the counter-detecting portion for ink level detection, thereby reducing the total number of sensors while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single sensor in the printer is designed to perform multiple detection functions: detecting the light-shielding plate when it is in the first position (attachment detection) and detecting the counter-detecting portion when the light-shielding plate is in the second position (ink level detection). This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensors for each detection purpose

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a light-shielding plate is provided for detection purposes, then detection reliability is improved, but susceptibility to damage from impacts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidimpact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The light-shielding plate is designed to be movable rather than fixed, capable of switching between a first position (for attachment detection) and a second position (for protecting the counter-detecting portion). This dynamic positioning allows the system to maintain detection reliability when needed while protecting sensitive components from impact damage during handling or falls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The light-shielding plate acts as a protective shield that can be positioned in advance to cover and protect the counter-detecting portion from impact forces. When an impact is anticipated or occurs, the plate can be in a protective position that absorbs or deflects the impact, preventing damage to the fragile counter-detecting portion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the plate member is positioned to shield the counter-detecting portion, then protection from impact is improved, but detection capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact protectionVSAvoiddetection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic positioning of the light-shielding plate to resolve the conflict between protection and detection. When protection is needed, the plate moves to the second position to shield the counter-detecting portion. When detection is needed, the plate moves to the first position, allowing the sensor to detect both the plate's position and the counter-detecting portion through the optical path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution reduces sensor requirements and enhances the ink cartridge's resistance to damage, simplifying the design and reducing production costs while ensuring reliable detection and attachment processes.

Implementation Method 1

The residual-amount detecting portion is configured to change a state of incident light according to an amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

The plate member at the first position and the residual-amount detecting portion define a light transmissive region therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11993087B2Liquid cartridge having plate member movable between first position and second position

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A liquid cartridge includes a case, a liquid supplying portion, a circuit board, a plate member, and a residual-amount detecting portion. The plate member is positioned rearward and above electrodes of the circuit board in an attached posture. The residual-amount detecting portion includes an optical access portion configured to receive light traveling in a left-right direction. The plate member is movable between a first position and a second position. At the first position, a portion of the plate member is positioned frontward of the optical access portion and upward of the electrode group. At the second position, a front end of the plate member is positioned closer to the residual-amount detecting portion than at the first position. The plate member at the first position and the residual-amount detecting portion define therebetween in the front-rear direction a light transmissive region whose light transmittance is higher than the plate member.