Adaptive Slip Detection for Paper Jam Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in predicting and preventing paper jams due to the high volume of information required for accurate prediction, which can lead to unnecessary data acquisition and resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

A conveying apparatus equipped with a rotator, driver, measuring device, and circuitry that dynamically adjusts the frequency and type of information acquisition based on measured driving force, allowing for reduced data acquisition when conditions indicate lower risk of paper jams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a slip detector acquires a relatively large amount of information for prediction of paper jam, then prediction accuracy is improved, but resource usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidresource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the information acquisition frequency adaptive rather than static. The control unit dynamically adjusts the frequency at which the slip detector acquires information based on real-time driving force measurements. When abnormal driving force is detected, the system increases information acquisition frequency to improve prediction accuracy; when normal operation is detected, it reduces frequency to conserve resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of information acquisition frequency based on driving force conditions. By monitoring driving force parameters and adjusting the information acquisition rate accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between prediction accuracy and resource consumption. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain high detection capability when needed while reducing overhead during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If information acquisition frequency is increased for accurate paper jam prediction, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaper jam prediction reliabilityVSAvoiddata processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts information acquisition frequency based on operational conditions. During high-risk periods when abnormal driving force is detected, the system increases monitoring frequency to maintain high prediction reliability. During normal operation, it reduces frequency to minimize data processing overhead and maximize productivity, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by acquiring information at varying frequencies rather than maintaining constant high-frequency monitoring. The system performs full monitoring only when necessary (when abnormal driving force is detected), and reduces monitoring intensity during normal operation, thereby achieving adequate reliability with improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the slip detector continuously monitors driving force, then paper jam prevention capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaper jam prevention capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the slip detector multi-functional by enabling it to operate at different monitoring levels based on conditions. The same hardware component performs both continuous monitoring when abnormality is detected and reduced monitoring during normal operation, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining prevention capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on driving force conditions. The control unit modifies the information acquisition frequency of the slip detector according to real-time measurements, allowing the system to maintain high paper jam prevention capability when needed while simplifying operation during normal conditions, thus reducing effective system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach reduces the amount of data acquired at appropriate times, enhancing prediction accuracy while minimizing resource usage and preventing paper jams effectively.

Implementation Method 1

The measuring device is configured to measure the driving force applied to the rotator by the driver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce measurement: Force

Data Source

PatentUS10843884B2Conveying apparatus, method for acquiring information, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
Publication Date: 2020.11.24 RICOH CO LTD
  • US10843884B2 patent drawing
  • US10843884B2 patent drawing
  • US10843884B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A conveying apparatus includes a rotator, a driver, a measuring device, and circuitry. The rotator is configured to convey a medium. The driver is configured to apply a driving force to the rotator to rotate the rotator. The measuring device is configured to measure the driving force applied to the rotator by the driver. The circuitry is configured to: determine, according to the driving force measured, whether to change at least one of frequency and items of information to be acquired for prediction of a defective conveyance of the medium caused by the rotator; and acquire information of at least one of the items according to a result of determination, at a frequency according to the result of determination.