Single Actuator Sensing Paper Width and Presence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require separate sensors and actuators to sense the presence and width of printing media, leading to increased complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus utilizing a single actuator with multiple arms and sensors to simultaneously sense the presence and width of printing media, where the actuator includes a rotating shaft with multiple arms that interact with the printing media to generate sensed signals for controlling the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate sensors and actuators are used to sense presence and width of printing media, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (presence detection and width measurement) into a single actuator assembly with multiple arms that share a common rotating shaft. The first actuating arm detects presence while the second actuating arm measures width, and both are integrated with the first sensing arm in one compact unit, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator assembly performs multiple functions: the first actuating arm senses presence of printing media, the second actuating arm measures width of printing media, and the first sensing arm intercepts light for detection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate sensors and actuators for each function.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensing components are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the presence sensing and width measurement functions into a single actuator assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while preserving the precision required for both measurement functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal actuator assembly performs both presence detection and width measurement, reducing the total number of components needed. This multi-functionality approach simplifies the bill of materials and reduces manufacturing complexity, leading to lower production costs.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to sense both presence and width, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuator is segmented into multiple functional arms: the first actuating arm for presence detection, the second actuating arm for width measurement, and the first sensing arm for light interception. Each arm is specialized for its specific function, allowing the single actuator to maintain measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the actuator assembly have specialized local qualities: the first actuating arm is optimized for presence detection, the second actuating arm for width measurement, and the first sensing arm for optical detection. This localization of specific functions within the integrated assembly maintains precision for each measurement type.
4Productivity
If printing speed is increased without width sensing, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The width sensing mechanism provides real-time feedback on the width of printing media to the control system. This feedback enables the system to automatically adjust printing parameters such as printing speed and fusing temperature to match the actual media width, ensuring manufacturing precision is maintained even at high printing speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters (printing speed, fusing temperature) based on the detected media width. When the width sensor detects a specific media width, the controller adjusts the printing parameters accordingly, allowing high productivity to be maintained while preserving manufacturing precision through dynamic parameter adaptation.
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies the apparatus while effectively controlling printing speed and fusing temperature based on the presence and width of the printing media, preventing abnormal heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element arranged to face each other, the first sensor generating a sensed signal as the light receiving element receives light emitted from the light emitting element
Implementation Method 2
a first actuating arm to sense the presence of the printing medium stored in the paper supply tray by coming into contact with and being moved by the printing medium
Implementation Method 3
a second actuating arm to sense a width of the printing medium by selectively coming into contact with and being moved by the printing medium fed to the printing path
Implementation Method 4
a first sensing arm to intercept the light that would otherwise be transmitted to the light receiving element by being moved in linkage with the first actuating arm and the second actuating arm
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An image forming apparatus realizes two functions using a single actuator to sense the width and presence of a printing medium and a single sensor to sense operation of the actuator, resulting in reduced manufacturing costs.