Developer Liquid Level Detection in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer detectors in image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately distinguishing between developer liquid level position and toner concentration, leading to potential false detection due to variations in toner concentration, especially near toner replenishers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple developer detectors disposed close to each other in a vertical direction within the developer casing, allowing for accurate detection of the liquid level position by analyzing output differences and correcting for toner concentration variations using a hardware processor for control purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single developer detector is used to detect both liquid level position and toner concentration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish between the two detection results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple detectors: one developer detector for liquid level position detection and another for toner concentration detection. This segmentation allows each detector to specialize in one measurement, eliminating the interference between the two detection purposes and improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex detector to handle both functions simultaneously.
2Productivity
If toner replenisher is provided near the developer detector, then the productivity is improved by continuous operation, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to toner concentration variation affecting detection output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the toner replenisher away from the developer detector location. By positioning the toner replenisher at a different location where it does not interfere with the detector, the system maintains continuous operation capability while preventing toner concentration variations from affecting the detection output, thus preserving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a separate toner concentration detector as an intermediary device that specifically measures toner concentration without affecting liquid level detection. This intermediary detector allows the system to monitor and compensate for toner concentration variations, enabling accurate liquid level detection even when toner replenishment occurs nearby.
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 solution enables precise detection of the developer liquid level position regardless of toner concentration, reducing false detection and improving the reliability of toner concentration measurement by distinguishing between the two signals effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a developer detector that detects, based on magnetic force, the developer from a plurality of detection ranges
Implementation Method 2
the amount of the carriers traversing lines of magnetic force generated from a coil of the developer detector varies in accordance with the liquid level position of the developer
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a developer casing that accommodates a developer; a developer detector that is disposed in the developer casing, and that detects, based on magnetic force, the developer from a plurality of detection ranges that is close to each other and is disposed side by side in a vertical direction in the developer casing; and a hardware processor that performs control of detecting a liquid level position of the developer in the developer casing, based on a detection result detected by the developer detector.