Conductive Shutter Modulates Radio Field for Toner Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner container attachment detecting devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the state of attachment or removal of toner containers, particularly when the RFID tag is peeled off or when the device incorrectly determines the presence of a toner container.
Innovation Solution
A toner container attachment detecting device that includes a reader-writer with a shutter and displacing portions, where the shutter moves between open and covering positions based on toner container attachment or removal, affecting the radio field intensity of the carrier wave, allowing the device to accurately determine attachment status by detecting changes in radio field intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wireless tag communication system using RFID is used to detect toner container attachment, then data communication of toner information can be performed, but the detection accuracy is insufficient when the tag is peeled off or when incorrect presence determination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into two independent systems: RFID tag communication for toner information management and radio field intensity detection for attachment status verification. This segmentation allows each system to perform its specialized function, with the radio field detection providing reliable attachment status even when the RFID tag is peeled off or malfunctioning.
Solution Approach 2:
A shutter member is introduced as an intermediary between the antenna and the external environment. This shutter member, when moved to the opening, modulates the radio field intensity in a detectable manner, providing a reliable physical indicator of attachment status that is independent of the RFID tag's presence or condition.
2Reliability
If only RFID tag communication is used for attachment detection, then the system structure remains simple, but the device cannot accurately determine attachment status when the tag is absent or malfunctioning
Solution Approach 1:
The radio field intensity detection system serves multiple functions: it detects the attachment status of the toner container, verifies the presence of the shutter member, and provides a backup detection mechanism when RFID tag communication fails. This multi-functionality increases reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter member itself serves as both a mechanical component for sealing/protecting the antenna and as a detection element that modulates the radio field. Its movement between covering and opening positions automatically provides the detection signal, eliminating the need for separate sensors or actuators.
3Measurement precision
If the shutter member is moved between covering and opening positions to modulate radio field, then attachment detection accuracy is improved, but the mechanism for moving the shutter must be reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter movement mechanism is merged with the toner container attachment/removal action itself. When the toner container is attached, the shutter is pushed to the opening position; when removed, the shutter returns to the covering position. This merging eliminates the need for separate actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter member is designed to move automatically based on the presence or absence of the toner container. The mechanical interaction between the container and shutter provides the movement force, and the shutter's position automatically provides the detection signal, making the system self-actuating and self-reporting.
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
Improves the accuracy of detecting toner container attachment and removal by using a conductive shutter that influences the carrier wave, enabling precise determination even when the RFID tag is absent, thus enhancing the reliability of toner management in image forming apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
The shutter is made with an electrically conductive material and provided movably relative to the apparatus body between an open position where the shutter is kept from influencing a carrier wave radiated from an antenna of the reader-writer and a covering position where the shutter underlies across the antenna to influence the carrier wave radiated from the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A toner container attachment detecting device includes a reader-writer, a shutter made with an electrically conductive material and provided movably between an open position where the shutter is kept from influencing a carrier wave radiated from an antenna of the reader-writer and a covering position where the shutter influences the carrier wave, and first and second displacing portions. When the toner container is attached to an apparatus body, the first displacing portion displaces the shutter to the open position. When the toner container is removed from the apparatus body, the second displacing portion displaces the shutter to the covering position. A radio field intensity detecting section of the reader-writer detects a radio field intensity of the carrier wave and a determining section of the reader-writer determines, based on a detection result of the radio field intensity detecting section, whether or not the toner container is attached to the apparatus body.