Storage Device Data Management for Consumable Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices for consumable containers in printing devices often fail to accurately manage data related to the remaining amount of recording materials, leading to inefficiencies and potential waste, especially when the capacity of aftermarket consumables differs from original manufacturer specifications, resulting in inconsistent data recording and unnecessary material usage.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with an interface unit, storage unit, detection unit, and control unit that dynamically updates and rewrites data on the remaining amount of recording material based on trigger conditions, ensuring consistency between actual consumption and recorded data, thereby preventing unnecessary material usage and trade disputes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the storage device uses fixed capacity data storage for consumable containers, then the data management is simple, but the data becomes inconsistent when aftermarket consumables with different capacities are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic data management by introducing a detection unit that monitors trigger conditions (such as consumable replacement or refilling events) and dynamically updates the capacity threshold values in the storage device. This allows the system to adapt to different consumable capacities without requiring complex manual configuration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of capacity threshold values from fixed to variable. The storage device stores multiple capacity threshold values corresponding to different consumable types, and the detection unit selects and updates the appropriate threshold based on detected trigger conditions. This parameter change enables the system to handle various consumable capacities while maintaining simple data management through automated selection.
2Measurement precision
If the storage device continuously updates remaining amount data during printing, then the data accuracy is high, but the recording material may be wasted when the data indicates insufficiency but actual material remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection unit continuously monitors trigger conditions and compares the current consumable state against stored capacity thresholds. When a trigger condition is detected (such as consumable replacement), the system updates the capacity threshold values accordingly. This feedback loop ensures data accuracy reflects actual consumable capacity while preventing premature printing stoppage, thus avoiding material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary updates of capacity threshold values in the storage device when trigger conditions are detected, before the actual printing process continues. This preliminary action ensures that the remaining amount data is calculated based on correct capacity thresholds, preventing inaccurate low-data warnings that would lead to material waste while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the storage device uses original manufacturer's capacity data, then the data consistency is maintained, but aftermarket consumables with different capacities cannot be properly managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the storage device universal by enabling it to handle both original manufacturer consumables and aftermarket consumables. The detection unit detects trigger conditions that indicate consumable replacement, and the control unit updates the capacity threshold values to match the new consumable type. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain data consistency for each consumable type while supporting various manufacturers and capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the storage device automatically detects when consumables are replaced or refilled through trigger conditions, and autonomously updates the capacity threshold values without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures data consistency is automatically maintained while adapting to different consumable capacities, supporting both original and aftermarket products.
Data Source
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AI summary
A storage device includes an interface unit, a storage unit, a detection unit and a control unit. The storage unit is used for storing the initial surplus of a recording material, the total surplus of the recording material and the capacity of the recording material and the surplus of an erasable recording material and/or the consumption amount of the erasable recording material. The detection unit is used for detecting a signal from the interface unit. When the detection unit detects a preset trigger condition and the total surplus of the recording material is greater than the capacity of the recording material, the control unit effects the updating of the total surplus of the recording material stored in the storage unit and the erasing of the surplus of the erasable recording material or the consumption amount of the erasable recording material as a calculation value. When the total surplus of the recording material is less than or equal to the capacity of the recording material, the control unit will not actively update the total surplus of the recording material or the consumption amount of the recording material in the storage unit. Provided is a consumption container, which can better manage the data in the storage device.