Conveyor Sensor Support Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately mounting position detectors, which affects the detection accuracy and increases costs and mounting time due to the need for high-dimensional accuracy and post-mounting adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a pair of roller supports and a position sensor support structure that includes insertion holes and positioning portions to easily and accurately position the sensor support, allowing for precise mounting of the position sensor without requiring high-dimensional accuracy or extensive post-mounting adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-dimensional accuracy of components is used to improve mounting accuracy of the position detector, then mounting accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor support structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the roller support and the position sensor. This sensor support includes positioning portions that interface with both the roller support and the position sensor, mediating the mounting process and enabling accurate positioning without requiring high-precision machining of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: the roller support, the sensor support with positioning portions, and the position sensor. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with standard tolerances while achieving high overall mounting accuracy through the positioning portions that interface these segments.
2Manufacturing precision
If position adjustment after mounting is performed to improve mounting accuracy, then mounting accuracy is improved, but mounting work time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning portions are designed in advance to provide self-aligning and self-positioning functionality. The positioning protrusions and recesses are pre-configured on the sensor support, roller support, and position sensor, enabling accurate mounting through simple insertion without requiring post-mounting adjustment operations.
3Measurement precision
If the position detector is accurately mounted to improve detection accuracy, then detection accuracy is improved, but mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support acts as a mediator that simplifies the mounting process. Its positioning portions with protrusions and recesses provide intuitive alignment features that guide the position sensor into the correct position, reducing mounting complexity while ensuring detection accuracy.
4Ease of manufacture
If standard components with normal dimensional accuracy are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but mounting accuracy of the position detector deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support with its positioning portions serves as an intermediary that compensates for normal dimensional tolerances of standard components. The positioning protrusions and recesses create mechanical constraints that ensure accurate relative positioning even when the base components have standard manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
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AI summary
A conveyor (20) includes a conveyance roller (17) to convey a conveyed object, a pair of roller supports (21A, 21B) opposing to each other and supporting both ends of the conveyance roller (17) in an axial direction thereof, a position sensor (30) to detect a position of the conveyed object, and a sensor support (22) supporting the position sensor (30). Each of the pair of roller supports (21A, 21B) has an insertion hole (25; 211) into which the sensor support (22) is inserted, the insertion hole (25; 211) determining a position of the sensor support (22) in a direction intersecting an insertion direction of the sensor support (22). The sensor support (22) includes a positioning portion (222) determining the position of the sensor support (22) with respect to at least one of the pair of roller supports (21A, 21B), the positioning portion (222) determining the position of the sensor support (22) in the insertion direction, a direction opposite to the insertion direction, and a rotational direction about an axis along the insertion direction.