Optical Ink Residual Detection via Light Path Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid residual amount detection devices for ink cartridges can only determine if the ink level is above or below a predetermined threshold, failing to accurately measure the residual amount of ink.
Innovation Solution
A liquid residual amount detection device that uses an irradiation unit to emit detection light and a reaction detection unit to measure the amount of light that reaches it, allowing for precise detection of the liquid level based on refraction or reflection reactions, and optionally includes a relative position changing unit and optical members to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical detection is used to determine ink level threshold, then detection simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system is segmented into multiple detection points along the light path. By dividing the detection into multiple segments (different positions where light may exit the prism), the system can determine not only whether ink level is above or below threshold but also estimate the actual residual amount by identifying which segment detects the light
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional threshold detection (above/below level) to two-dimensional measurement by adding spatial dimension through multiple detection points positioned at different locations. This allows the system to map light detection position to ink residual amount, achieving quantitative measurement while maintaining optical detection simplicity
2Device complexity
If only threshold detection is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but information completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an optical prism as an intermediary element that converts ink level information into light path information. The prism's geometry and the light's interaction with it (refraction, reflection, or transmission) serve as a mediator that encodes the ink residual amount into detectable optical signals without requiring complex direct measurement mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with optical detection. Instead of using mechanical sensors or direct physical measurement of ink volume, the system uses light interaction (optical properties) to detect and quantify ink residual amount, simplifying the detection mechanism while preserving measurement capability
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 accurate detection of the liquid level and amount in the ink cartridge by measuring the correlation between the detection light and the residual amount, improving upon the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction such as refraction or reflection occurs depending on the position of the liquid level of the liquid in the container by the detection light irradiated by the irradiation unit
Implementation Method 2
a reaction such as refraction or reflection occurs depending on the position of the liquid level of the liquid in the container by the detection light irradiated by the irradiation unit
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid residual amount detection device (printing apparatus) of the invention includes an irradiation unit that performs irradiation of a detection light, and a reaction detection unit that detects a reaction by the detection light irradiated by the irradiation unit. An amount of liquid is detected based on an amount of the detection light that reaches the reaction detection unit.