Belt Deviation Detection Using Optical Photosensor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing belt deviation detection devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting and correcting lateral displacement of rotary belts, leading to potential meandering and belt breakage due to inadequate detection precision and wear issues in the contact member.

Innovation Solution

A belt deviation detection device featuring a contact member made of metal with a hardening treatment, biased by a tension spring, and a transmissive photosensor to detect lateral displacement, ensuring accurate tracking and correction of belt deviation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a contact member is used to detect belt displacement, then detection function is achieved, but wear occurs reducing detection precision over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidservice life of contact member

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact member with an optical detection system using a photosensor and light source. The photosensor detects belt displacement by measuring light transmission changes through the belt without physical contact, eliminating wear while maintaining detection precision throughout the service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the detection system and the belt. The light passes through the belt to the photosensor, enabling indirect measurement of belt position without mechanical contact, thus preventing wear of the contact member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If detection precision is improved to prevent belt breakage, then reliability increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebelt operation stabilityVSAvoiddetection device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical contact detection mechanisms with a simpler optical system consisting of a photosensor and light source. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving detection precision and preventing belt breakage through accurate displacement monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If a contact member is used for detection, then detection function is achieved, but the contact member wears down over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplacement detection accuracyVSAvoidcontact member durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the mechanical contact member entirely by using an optical detection system. The photosensor measures belt displacement through light transmission without physical contact, maintaining measurement precision while completely avoiding wear and strength degradation issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses light as an intermediary to transfer information about belt position from the belt to the photosensor without requiring physical contact between the detection system and the belt, thereby preserving contact member durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides high-accuracy detection and correction of belt deviation over time, reducing wear and maintaining detection precision, thus preventing meandering and belt breakage.

Implementation Method 1

a transmissive photosensor to detect the displacement of the belt in the width direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a hardening treatment is applied to at least the contact portion of the contact member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHardening treatment: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentUS10788779B2Belt deviation detection device, belt device, image forming apparatus, and method of manufacturing contact member

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A belt deviation detection device detects lateral displacement of a rotary belt in a width direction of the belt. The belt deviation detection device includes a contact member in contact with the belt at a contact portion of the contact member, a biasing member configured to bias the contact member toward the belt to press the contact member against the belt, and a displacement detector configured to detect the displacement of the belt in the width direction of the belt. The contact member is configured to track the displacement of the belt in the width direction of the belt. The contact member is made of a metal material, and a hardening treatment is applied to at least the contact portion of the contact member.