Storage Amount Detection Device Electrode Coupling Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing residual quantity sensing sensors face inefficiencies when disconnecting unused detection electrodes, leading to charge-related detection issues due to floating states, which affect the accuracy of residual quantity measurements.

Innovation Solution

A storage amount detection device is designed with a transmission electrode on one surface and reception electrodes on another, featuring a coupling circuit that electrically couples a reception electrode not used for measurement to a constant voltage terminal, while keeping the used reception electrode decoupled from the constant voltage terminal, thereby preventing charge interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If all detection electrodes are electrically coupled to the output terminal, then measurement efficiency is improved, but residual charges from unused electrodes interfere with detection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection electrodes are segmented into two groups: used electrodes (electrically coupled to the output terminal for measurement) and unused electrodes (electrically coupled to the reference potential). This segmentation allows each group to have different electrical connections, preventing charge interference from unused electrodes while maintaining measurement efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reference potential acts as an intermediary for unused detection electrodes, providing a stable electrical connection that prevents charge accumulation. Instead of leaving unused electrodes floating (which causes charge interference), the reference potential serves as a mediator to safely discharge and stabilize them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If unused detection electrodes are left in electrically floating state, then device complexity is reduced, but charge accumulation occurs affecting measurement reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling circuit merges the connection function for both used and unused electrodes into a single circuit structure. By using a common reference potential connection for unused electrodes and a switchable connection for used electrodes, the design achieves reliable charge management without requiring separate complex circuits for each electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection state of detection electrodes is made dynamic rather than static. The coupling circuit can dynamically switch between coupling unused electrodes to the reference potential (when not in use) and coupling used electrodes to the output terminal (during measurement), adapting the connection state to operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 improves the accuracy of storage amount detection by preventing residual charge influences and reducing noise, enhancing the reliability of liquid level measurements in liquid discharge devices.

Implementation Method 1

the residual quantity of the contents of the container is detected based on electrostatic capacitance measured by the detection electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a coupling circuit that is configured to electrically couple at least one reception electrode of the plurality of reception electrodes to an output terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical coupling: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11654690B2Storage amount detection device and liquid discharge device

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

There is provided a storage amount detection device, which detects a storage amount of an object stored in a storage section that includes a first surface and a second surface, the device including a transmission electrode that is provided on the first surface, a plurality of reception electrodes that are provided on the second surface, a constant voltage terminal, a coupling circuit that is configured to electrically a reception electrode to an output terminal, and a detection circuit that detects the storage amount of the object stored in the storage section, in which the coupling circuit couples the reception electrode, which is not electrically coupled to the output terminal, among the plurality of reception electrodes to the constant voltage terminal, and does not couple a reception electrode, which is electrically coupled to the output terminal, among the plurality of reception electrodes to the constant voltage terminal.