Printer Ink Level Detection via Optical Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer technologies face challenges in accurately detecting the amount of ink in ink tanks, leading to inefficiencies and potential printer failures due to insufficient ink levels, and require complex configurations to achieve reliable ink level monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A printer configuration that includes an ink tank with an optical separator on its side surface, a photoelectric conversion device, and a processing unit to detect ink levels based on light output, simplifying the detection process and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light emitter and light receiver are used to detect ink level by receiving light passing through an ink bottle, then ink level detection is achieved, but the device configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light emitter and light receiver into a separate detection device that can be independently positioned and configured. This allows the main printing system to remain simple while the detection function is handled by a dedicated external component, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical separator as an intermediary component between the light path and the detection system. This optical separator enables precise light direction and separation, improving measurement accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple overall configuration by using a dedicated optical element rather than a complex detection apparatus
2Reliability
If complex ink level monitoring systems are implemented, then detection reliability is improved, but the printer design becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is designed to autonomously detect ink levels and provide feedback without requiring complex integration with the printing system. The system self-regulates by monitoring ink levels independently and triggering refill alerts, maintaining reliability while keeping the overall printer design simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic monitoring systems with a simple optical detection mechanism. By using light transmission through the ink bottle and photoelectric conversion, the system achieves reliable detection with minimal mechanical components, simplifying the overall printer design
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 allows for accurate and reliable detection of ink levels, reducing the risk of printer failures and simplifying the printer's design by eliminating the need for complex ink level monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical separator for separating light in a vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
a photoelectric conversion device detecting light incident from the ink tank after passing through the optical separator
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a printer including an ink tank provided with, at a side surface, an optical separator for separating light in a vertical direction, a print head performing printing by using ink in the ink tank, a photoelectric conversion device detecting light incident from the ink tank after passing through the optical separator, and a processing unit detecting an amount of ink in the ink tank based on an output of the photoelectric conversion device.