Print Liquid Sensor Circuitry for Accurate Reservoir Level Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately sensing the remaining amount of print liquid in a reservoir is challenging due to issues like liquid bridging, environmental conditions, and reduced water vapor transmission rates, leading to inefficient supply management and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors within the print liquid supply unit, such as liquid level sensors and strain or pressure sensors, to enhance accuracy and reliability, along with a regulator assembly and thermoplastic construction for robustness and compatibility with high-volume manufacturing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are incorporated within the print liquid supply unit, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor circuitry is integrated within the print liquid supply unit housing, with the sensor positioned inside the reservoir to directly measure liquid level. The sensor support structure provides a nested arrangement where the sensor is housed within the existing supply unit geometry, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor support structure acts as an intermediary component that holds the sensor in the correct position within the reservoir. This intermediary structure facilitates accurate measurement by positioning the sensor optimally while simplifying the integration process between the sensor and the print liquid supply unit.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned close to the print liquid outlet, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor may contact structures that damage it
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support structure provides localized protection and positioning, creating a specific micro-environment for the sensor that is close to the outlet for accurate measurement but shielded from damaging structures. This local quality approach allows the sensor to operate in the optimal measurement zone without exposure to harmful elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor support structure is designed in advance to prevent potential damage to the sensor by positioning it away from structures that could cause harm. This preliminary protective arrangement ensures the sensor's reliability is maintained while still enabling accurate low liquid level detection.
3Ease of manufacture
If thermoplastic construction is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support structure is designed with pre-formed features that ensure accurate sensor positioning during the injection molding process. By incorporating positioning elements directly into the thermoplastic housing design, the system maintains manufacturing precision while benefiting from the ease and efficiency of high-volume thermoplastic manufacturing.
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
Improves the accuracy of print liquid level sensing, reduces waste, and minimizes unnecessary supply changes, maintaining print quality over the life of the unit.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating sensors within the print liquid supply unit, such as liquid level sensors
Implementation Method 2
strain or pressure sensors, to enhance accuracy and reliability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
Examples of a print liquid supply unit are described herein. In some examples, the print liquid supply unit includes a regulator assembly. In some examples, the regulator assembly includes an at least partially expandable or contractible pressure chamber. In some examples, the print liquid supply unit includes a port. In some examples, the print liquid supply unit includes sensor circuitry positioned between the regulator assembly and the port in a print liquid reservoir.