Print Component Logic Circuitry for Digital Pneumatic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face challenges in efficiently communicating and managing data between replaceable print apparatus components and the host print apparatus, particularly in accurately detecting fluid levels and pneumatic stimuli, which affects the reliability and accuracy of print operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a logic circuitry package with a sensor cell array and alternative digital embodiments that utilize strain gauges or other sensors to detect deflections and air blow events, enabling communication via I2C protocol and allowing for validation by the print apparatus without complex analog hardware, facilitating reliable fluid management and print operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex analog hardware is used for sensor detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex analog hardware sensors with a digital sensor cell array that outputs digital values. The sensor cells use simple resistive elements that can be read digitally, eliminating the need for complex analog signal conditioning circuits while maintaining measurement precision through digital readout and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor cell array as an intermediary between the physical quantity (fluid level, pneumatic stimuli) and the digital processing system. Each sensor cell provides a digital output value that can be directly processed by the logic circuitry, serving as a bridge that simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple sensor cells are used to detect pneumatic stimuli, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple discrete sensor cells arranged in an array. Each sensor cell independently detects pneumatic stimuli and provides a digital output value, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through redundancy while keeping each individual sensor cell simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cell array serves multiple functions: detecting fluid levels, detecting pneumatic stimuli, and providing diagnostic information about sensor health. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If digital communication protocol is used between print components and host, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analog-to-digital conversion at the sensor cell level, where each sensor cell directly outputs a digital value representing the physical quantity. This preliminary digitization ensures that measurement precision is maintained before data is transmitted through the digital communication protocol, preventing precision loss during communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the output parameter of sensor cells from analog signals to digital values. This parameter change enables direct digital communication with the host apparatus while preserving measurement precision through the use of multi-bit digital representations that can accurately convey sensor readings.
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
This solution enhances the reliability and accuracy of print operations by ensuring proper communication and fluid management, reducing the risk of electrical damage to logic circuitry and improving the operational health of print components, thereby ensuring consistent print quality.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor cells include a plurality of strain gauges arranged on a wall of the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
configured to detect a pneumatic stimulus to the print apparatus component
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4B
Figure 4C~4D
AI summary
A logic circuitry package for a replaceable print apparatus component includes an interface to communicate with a print apparatus logic circuit, and at least one logic circuit to transmit, via the interface, a sensor ID parameter and a limit parameter, the sensor ID parameter indicating a first sensor ID. The logic circuit is to receive, via the interface, a first request corresponding to the first sensor ID with the component connected to the apparatus and the apparatus not pneumatically actuating the component. The logic circuit is to transmit, via the interface, a first digital value in response to the first request. The logic circuit is to receive, via the interface, a second request corresponding to the first sensor ID with the component connected to the apparatus and the apparatus pneumatically actuating the component. The logic circuit is to transmit, via the interface, a second digital value in response to the second request. A difference between the first digital value and the second digital value is greater than the limit parameter.