Brother’s latest patent transforms cartridge replacement with an innovative control device, ensuring efficiency and significantly reducing ink wastage.
Brother Industries, Ltd was granted a new patent, US 11884078 B2, on January 30, 2024, heralding what could be a major advancement in printer ink cartridge management. This innovation, developed by Masafumi Miyazawa and Kenta Horade, aims to streamline the process of ordering and replacing ink cartridges in devices equipped with ink tanks.
The patent outlines a sophisticated control device accompanied by a comprehensive program designed to automate the cartridge replacement process. By meticulously calculating the remaining ink levels in both the current cartridge and the tank, the system can predict the optimal time to order a new cartridge. This ensures that printing operations can continue uninterrupted while addressing the common issue of ink wastage due to premature cartridge replacement.
Central to this invention is a memory system that stores index values representing the residual ink quantity, along with their corresponding acquisition timings. A controller uses this data to set conditions for triggering a new cartridge order. This includes reaching a reference index value or timing and considering the delivery lead time for the new cartridge to arrive.
It remains unclear which specific printer and cartridge models will incorporate this technology or how the aftermarket will adapt to its introduction. This patent represents a continuation of prior applications based on Brother Industries’ ongoing innovation in the printing industry.
Our take on this: Introducing a more efficient and environmentally friendly approach to ink management is a good thing, especially if it benefits businesses by reducing downtime and operational costs and contributes to sustainability efforts by minimising ink wastage. But it will be to see how Brother rolls out this innovative system across its product lines and the potential implications for third-party cartridge manufacturers and refilling services. The development poses significant questions about compatibility, cost, and consumer choice, setting the stage for more transformation in the printer consumables market.
