Translucent Impeller Blade for Light Sensor Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light sensor systems in printer fluid tanks face inaccuracies due to printer fluid accumulation and ambient conditions, leading to misrepresentations of optical properties and density calculations.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning and self-calibrating apparatus incorporating a light transmitter, a light sensor, and an impeller with translucent blades that rotate between the light transmitter and sensor, allowing for calibration by comparing readings with and without the blade in the path, thereby improving measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light sensor readings are taken through printer fluid, then density measurement is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to fluid accumulation and ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light sensor from the harmful environment of printer fluid exposure by using an impeller blade that rotates into the fluid path. The blade carries the sensor through the fluid without the sensor itself being exposed, thus taking out the sensor from the harmful factors while still enabling measurement through the fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller blade acts as an intermediary between the light sensor and the printer fluid. The blade material is selected to have known optical properties that allow light transmission with predictable characteristics, serving as a mediator that enables measurement while protecting the sensor from direct fluid exposure and ambient condition interference.
2Productivity
If light sensor is exposed to ambient conditions, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to ambient light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic measurement by rotating the impeller blade through the fluid path at controlled intervals. This dynamic approach allows continuous monitoring capability while taking measurements only when the blade is in the optimal position, thereby avoiding ambient light interference that would affect a statically exposed sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The light sensor measurement is performed periodically when the impeller blade rotates into the fluid path between the light source and sensor. This periodic action enables continuous monitoring over time while ensuring measurements are taken under controlled conditions when the blade shields the sensor from ambient light interference.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If impeller blade is made opaque for cleaning function, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but light sensor calibration capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the portion of the impeller blade that contacts the fluid path translucent, while other portions can remain opaque for structural support and cleaning function. This localized translucency enables light transmission for calibration and measurement purposes while maintaining the overall cleaning effectiveness of the impeller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (translucency) of the impeller blade material to enable both cleaning and calibration functions. By selecting materials with appropriate optical transmission properties, the blade can effectively clean the sensor surface while still allowing sufficient light transmission for calibration and measurement operations.
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
The apparatus provides more accurate and consistent sensor readings by effectively cleaning and calibrating the light sensor system, reducing the impact of printer fluid accumulation and ambient conditions on measurement quality.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of which is translucent to permit calibration of a light sensor
Implementation Method 2
an impeller including a blade to rotate around a rotational axis
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an apparatus can include a light transmitter, a light sensor aligned along a light transmittance axis of the light transmitter, an impeller positioned between the light transmitter and the light sensor. The impeller can in some examples include a blade to pass through the light transmittance axis during rotation of the impeller. The blade can in some examples be translucent to permit calibration of the light sensor based on a comparison of a first light sensor reading when the blade intersects the light transmittance axis and a second light sensor reading when the blade does not intersect the light transmittance axis.