Discharge Port Sensor for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting foreign objects at the discharge port due to reflected light from sheets, which can lead to erroneous detection and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A post-processing apparatus equipped with a sensor system that includes a light emitter, a reflector, and a light receiver, positioned to detect objects at the discharge port. The sensor system emits light across the width of the discharge port, uses a reflector to redirect the light, and a light receiver to detect any objects blocking the light path, thereby preventing further processing when an object is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light emitter and light receiver are arranged to detect foreign substances at the discharge port, then detection capability is improved, but erroneous detection occurs due to reflected light from sheets
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the light emitter and light receiver. The reflector redirects the light path so that light emitted toward the discharge port is reflected back to the receiver, while light reflected from sheets is directed away from the receiver. This mediator enables the system to distinguish between light blocked by foreign objects and light reflected from normal sheet operation, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and erroneous detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is configured with spatially differentiated light paths. The light emitter, reflector, and receiver are positioned to create a specific detection zone at the discharge port, while the optical geometry ensures that only light from specific directions (blocked by foreign objects) reaches the receiver. This local quality approach allows accurate detection in the target area while ignoring reflected light from sheets passing through the discharge port.
2Reliability
If the sensor detects objects at the discharge port, then safety is improved, but processing is terminated even for legitimate sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector serves as a mediator that creates different light path geometries for foreign objects versus legitimate sheets. When a foreign object blocks the light path, no light reaches the receiver, triggering a safety stop. When a legitimate sheet passes through, the reflected light is directed away from the receiver by the reflector, preventing false termination. This resolves the contradiction between safety and productivity by enabling accurate discrimination between hazardous and normal conditions.
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
The sensor system effectively suppresses erroneous detection due to reflected light, ensuring high accuracy in detecting objects at the discharge port and preventing potential damage or malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector on a second side of the discharge port opposite the first side in a first direction corresponding to a width direction of a discharged sheet
Data Source
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AI summary
A post-processing apparatus includes a post-processing unit configured to receive sheets from an image forming apparatus, perform processing on the received sheets, and then discharge the processed sheets through a discharge port. A sensor is configured to detect a presence of an object at the discharge port. The sensor includes a first light emitter on a first side of the discharge port that is positioned to emit a light across a width of the discharge port, a reflector on a second side of the discharge port opposite the first side in a first direction, and a first light receiver positioned to receive light of the first light emitter from the reflector. A controller is configured to terminate the processing on the received sheets by the post-processing unit when the sensor detects the presence of the object at the discharge port.