Printer Ink Level Detection Using Integrated Light Source and Photoelectric Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer technologies face inefficiencies in detecting the amount of ink in ink tanks, particularly in configurations where the light emitting and receiving units are positioned differently, leading to challenges in accurately determining the ink level.
Innovation Solution
A printer configuration that includes an ink tank, a print head, a substrate with a light source and a photoelectric conversion device, where the light source irradiates the ink tank and the photoelectric conversion device detects the light, allowing for efficient ink amount detection by optimizing the positional relationship between the light source, photoelectric conversion device, and ink tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light emitting unit and light receiving unit are positioned in different directions with respect to the ink tank, then transmitted light detection is enabled, but the device complexity increases and member disposal becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting unit and light receiving unit are integrated into a single detection member assembly that is disposed at one location relative to the ink tank. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate positioning of emitting and receiving units in different directions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the transmitted light detection capability through their cooperative arrangement within the integrated member.
2Measurement precision
If the light source and photoelectric conversion device are disposed separately, then ink amount detection can be performed, but the detection efficiency and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light source and photoelectric conversion device are integrated into a unified detection member with a fixed positional relationship, ensuring stable and reliable detection. This integration eliminates alignment issues and positional drift that would occur with separate disposal, thereby improving detection reliability while maintaining measurement precision through the optimized internal arrangement of the integrated member.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detection components are positioned in different directions, then comprehensive ink level monitoring is achieved, but the ease of operation and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection components are integrated into a single modular detection member that functions as a unified unit. This integration simplifies operation by providing a single point of interaction and installation, while maintaining comprehensive ink level monitoring capabilities through the coordinated arrangement of components within the integrated member. Maintenance is also simplified as the modular design allows for easy replacement of the entire detection member as a single unit.
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 configuration enables accurate and efficient detection of ink levels in the tank, improving the reliability of ink monitoring and reducing user intervention by providing real-time ink status updates.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion device provided at the substrate and detecting light incident from the ink tank in a period during which the light source emits light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a printer including an ink tank, a print head performing printing by using ink in the ink tank, a light source provided at the substrate and irradiating the ink tank with light from a side of the ink tank, a photoelectric conversion device provided at the substrate and detecting light incident from the ink tank in a period during which the light source emits light, and a processing unit detecting an amount of ink based on an output of the photoelectric conversion device.