Actuator Detection Accuracy in Image Forming Conveying Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the actuator's tendency to detect paper at various positions due to a wide conveying path leads to inaccurate detection, and extending ribs to narrow the path can increase resistance, hindering paper conveyance.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features ribs adjacent to the actuator with recesses facing them, narrowing the path only at the actuator's position to enhance detection accuracy while minimizing resistance by maintaining a wider re-conveying path upstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the conveying path is made wide to accommodate various paper widths, then the apparatus can handle more paper sizes, but the actuator detects paper at various positions leading to inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized narrow region at the actuator position using ribs, while the rest of the conveying path remains wide. This allows the actuator to detect paper at a consistent position (improving detection accuracy) while the overall conveying path maintains width for various paper sizes (preserving adaptability).
2Measurement precision
If ribs are extended to narrow the conveying path at the actuator position for accurate detection, then detection accuracy improves, but resistance increases preventing easy paper conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The ribs are designed to protrude only at the specific location where the actuator is positioned, creating a localized narrow region. This localized narrowing improves detection accuracy without extending along the entire conveying path, thereby minimizing the increase in resistance to paper conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribs protrude by a controlled amount (an amount by which the ribs protrude) to achieve the necessary path narrowing for accurate detection, but not excessively so as to create undue resistance. This partial action approach balances detection accuracy with smooth paper conveyance.
3Measurement precision
If ribs are provided to narrow the conveying path for accurate actuator detection, then detection accuracy improves, but the re-conveying path becomes narrow causing conveyance resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The narrowing effect of the ribs is localized to the actuator position area, while the re-conveying path upstream of the rib maintains sufficient width. This ensures that paper can be easily conveyed through the re-conveying path without excessive resistance, maintaining productivity while achieving accurate detection at the actuator location.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus has a first conveying path and a second conveying path which joins the first conveying path. The image forming apparatus includes an actuator configured to be pivoted by a recording sheet conveyed through the first conveying path. The image forming apparatus further includes ribs disposed adjacent to the actuator in an axial direction of the actuator. The image forming apparatus has a first recess which faces at least one of the ribs and is recessed in a direction opposite to the conveying direction.