Intermediate Transfer Belt Support for Accurate Density Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately calibrating image density and position due to deformation of the intermediate transfer belt at the sensing position of the image density sensor, which affects the quality of output images.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a counter-sensor member disposed at the inner circumference of the intermediate transfer belt to support the belt and suppress deformation, ensuring accurate calibration by maintaining a consistent distance and angle with the image density sensor, while allowing for concurrent test pattern image formation without reducing productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the intermediate transfer belt is stretched on the stretching roller, then the belt is maintained in tension, but the belt deforms and bends at the edges, causing positioning errors in test pattern images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the intermediate transfer belt into different functional regions: a printing region for normal image formation and a test region for calibration. By segmenting the belt's usage areas, the system can maintain tension stability in the printing region while isolating the deformation effects to specific test regions that do not interfere with normal printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a counter-sensor member as an intermediary element positioned between the stretched belt and the image density sensor. This counter-sensor member contacts the inner circumferential surface of the stretched belt, acting as a mediator that compensates for belt deformation and enables accurate optical sensing of test pattern images despite the belt's bent state.
2Extent of automation
If the image density sensor is positioned to sense test pattern images on the stretched belt, then calibration can be performed, but the bent belt portion causes inaccurate sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-sensor member serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the stretched, bent belt and the image density sensor. By contacting the inner circumferential surface of the belt, it provides a stable reference surface that enables accurate optical sensing despite the belt's deformation, thus maintaining measurement precision while preserving automatic calibration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and positioning parameters of the sensing system by introducing a counter-sensor member that contacts the belt at a specific location. This parameter change in the sensing arrangement allows the system to accommodate the bent belt condition while maintaining accurate density measurement for calibration purposes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stretching roller is positioned to stretch the belt effectively, then the belt maintains proper tension, but the bent belt portion runs on the sensor member causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the counter-sensor member to contact only the inner circumferential surface of the stretched belt at specific locations, rather than attempting to flatten the entire belt. This localized approach allows the belt to maintain its stretched, bent configuration for tension stability while providing a localized flat contact surface for accurate sensing in the test region.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-sensor member acts as a localized intermediary that interfaces with the bent belt surface, converting the irregular bent surface into a stable sensing surface without altering the overall belt tension and stretch configuration.
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 configuration enables precise calibration of image density and position, maintaining image quality by accurately sensing the test pattern images, thereby correcting density and color displacements in real-time, enhancing overall print output.
Implementation Method 1
The image density sensor is disposed at a distance from the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt, and shines light to the test region to output a value corresponding to the amount of light reflected from the test region.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section, an intermediate transfer belt, and a stretching roller. The intermediate transfer belt has a pair of test regions on opposite sides of a printing region in the width direction, and the image forming section transfers a test pattern image to the test regions. The image forming apparatus further includes an image density sensor and a counter-sensor member having a counter portion facing the image density sensor across the intermediate transfer belt. The edge positions of the counter portion in the width direction are inward, in the width direction, of the edge positions of the stretching roller in the width direction.