Pivotable Plate Member for Optical Detection in Liquid Cartridges
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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 deformation due to impacts during attachment or falling.
Innovation Solution
A liquid cartridge design with a pivotable plate member that can be detected by a single sensor, allowing for reduced sensor count and enhanced impact resistance by moving in a front-rear direction and pivoting about an axis extending in the up-down direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are provided in the printer for ink cartridge detection, then the detection accuracy and reliability are improved, but the design complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (attachment detection and residual ink detection) into a single sensor system. The optical sensor detects both the plate member's position (attachment status) and the counter-detecting portion (ink level) sequentially, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting the plate member's presence for attachment verification and detecting the counter-detecting portion for residual ink detection. This multi-functional approach reduces the total number of sensors needed while preserving comprehensive detection capabilities
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid detection components are used in the ink cartridge, then the structural stability is improved, but the resistance to deformation from impacts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plate member is designed to pivot between a first position (parallel to front surface) and a second position (perpendicular to front surface) in response to impact forces. This dynamic capability allows the structure to absorb impact energy through controlled movement rather than rigid resistance, preventing permanent deformation while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system utilizes changes in the plate member's orientation parameter (from parallel to perpendicular position) to indicate attachment status. This parameter-based detection approach allows the use of flexible, impact-resistant materials for the plate member while maintaining reliable detection functionality
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 design reduces the number of sensors needed and minimizes deformation risks during attachment and handling, improving reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor 103 configured to receive light reflected from the reflection plate 132
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cartridge includes: a cartridge case defining a liquid storage chamber; a liquid supply portion provided at the cartridge case; a residual-amount detecting portion configured to change a state of incident light according to an amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber; and a plate member. The residual-amount detecting portion includes an optical access portion accessible by light traveling in a left-right direction in an attached posture of the liquid cartridge. The plate member is positioned above the liquid storage chamber and frontward of the optical access portion in the attached posture. The plate member is pivotable between a first position and a second position about an axis extending in an up-down direction. In the attached posture of the liquid cartridge, the plate member extends in a front-rear direction at the first position, and extends in a direction crossing the front-rear direction at the second position.