Crank Arm Sensor Positioning for Recording Material End Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require a dedicated drive source or member to detect the end position of recording materials, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A recording material end position detection apparatus using a crank arm and sensor unit that calculates the end position based on the rotation angle of the crank arm, allowing for accurate detection without a dedicated drive source or member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a photo interrupter is moved across the recording material to detect the end position, then the end position can be detected, but a dedicated drive source or member for switching the drive is required, causing cost to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is driven by the same drive source that conveys the recording material, making the drive source multi-functional. The sensor unit can be moved to different positions along the conveying path to perform both conveyance and detection functions, eliminating the need for a dedicated drive source for sensor movement
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is merged with the conveyance system. The sensor unit is integrated into the conveying mechanism, and the drive source for conveyance is also used to position the sensor unit, combining multiple functions into a single system
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is moved in two directions to detect both datum point and end position, then accurate detection is achieved, but the detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is preliminarily positioned at a predetermined position where it can detect both the datum point and end position in sequence. By pre-positioning the sensor unit optimally, the system eliminates the need for extensive back-and-forth movement, reducing detection time while maintaining accuracy
3Measurement precision
If a dedicated drive source is used to reciprocate the sensor, then the end position can be detected accurately, but the cost goes up
Solution Approach 1:
The existing conveyance drive source is made multi-functional by also using it to position the sensor unit. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated drive sources, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance system serves itself by also performing the detection function. The same drive mechanism that moves the recording material also positions the sensor unit, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate dedicated components
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
Enables accurate detection of the recording material end position in reduced time, eliminating the need for a dedicated drive source or member, thus lowering costs and simplifying the detection process.
Implementation Method 1
a crank arm that is rotatably and pivotally supported, a crank arm drive unit that rotates the crank arm
Implementation Method 2
a recording material detection sensor that is mounted on the sensor unit and detects the presence or absence of a recording material
Data Source
AI summary
An rotation angle of a crank arm is calculated on the basis of a period of time in which a recording material is detected or a period of time in which the recording material is not detected and an end position of the recording material is calculated from the calculated rotation angle, so that detection of the end position of the recording material can be started regardless of a stop position of a sensor and the end position of the recording material can be accurately detected without using a dedicated drive source or member to reciprocate the sensor.