Pivoting Plate Member for Single-Sensor Ink Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording apparatuses require multiple sensors for ink cartridge detection and positioning, 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 pivotally movable plate member and optical access portion that allows for detection by a single sensor, reducing sensor count and enhancing impact resistance by changing the light state based on liquid amount and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are provided in the printer for ink cartridge detection and positioning, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single optical sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions: detecting the light-blocking plate for cartridge attachment status, detecting the electrode group for positioning, and detecting liquid levels. By making the sensor multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for multiple dedicated sensors while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light-blocking plate as an intermediary element that reflects or blocks light to enable the optical sensor to detect various cartridge components. This intermediary allows a single sensor to indirectly detect multiple things (attachment status, positioning, liquid levels) by modulating light paths, thereby reducing sensor quantity while improving detection reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the ink cartridge structure is made rigid for stability, then manufacturing precision is improved, but impact resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plate member is designed to be pivotally movable rather than rigidly fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position in response to impacts. This dynamic capability enables the structure to absorb impact energy through movement while maintaining manufacturing precision of the overall cartridge assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal plate member acts as a pre-designed cushioning element that can move to absorb impact forces before they damage other components. The pivot mechanism is prepared in advance to accommodate impacts, protecting the electrode group and other sensitive parts from damage during handling or falls.
3Device complexity
If the plate member is positioned fixedly, then device complexity is reduced, but impact resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed plate member configuration to a pivotally movable one, introducing controlled dynamic behavior. This allows the structure to remain simple overall while incorporating a single movable element that provides impact resistance through its ability to rotate and absorb shock.
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 the number of sensors needed, enhances impact resistance, and maintains stable electrical connections during attachment and use, while allowing for efficient ink detection and management.
Implementation Method 1
The light transmissive region has a light transmittance greater than a light transmittance of the plate member
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cartridge includes: a cartridge case defining therein a liquid storage chamber; a liquid supply portion; a circuit board; a plate member; and a residual-amount detecting portion. 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, and includes an optical access portion on which light traveling in a left-right direction is incident. The plate member is pivotally movable between: a first posture where a portion of the plate member is positioned upward relative to the optical access portion; and a second posture where the plate member is positioned downward relative to the optical access portion. The plate member in the first posture and the residual-amount detecting portion define a light transmissive region therebetween in the front-rear direction. The light transmissive region has a light transmittance greater than that of the plate member.