Doctor Blade Geometric Deviation Measurement Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming devices, doctor blades fail to maintain uniform contact with developer rollers, leading to inconsistent toner transfer and print quality due to geometric deviations in their linear straightness and curved radius, necessitating an apparatus for precise measurement of these deviations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a camera and multiple light sources positioned to direct collimated beams along specific angles, coupled with a doctor blade holding device, allows for precise measurements of geometric deviations in the doctor blade by capturing reflections and shadows, enabling automated radius and straightness assessments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual measurement methods are used for doctor blade geometry, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient to detect small geometric deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical measurement system using a camera and light sources. The system captures images of the doctor blade's curved radial surface and uses image processing to calculate geometric deviations, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement instruments while achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the doctor blade's geometry using a camera system. By capturing the reflected light pattern from the curved radial surface, the system creates a digital representation that can be analyzed computationally, allowing precise measurement of geometric deviations without physical contact with the blade.
2Measurement precision
If automated optical measurement systems are implemented, then measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex setup and calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a calibration process that is performed in advance using a calibration object with known geometric features. This preliminary action establishes the relationship between the optical system's coordinate system and the actual physical dimensions, enabling accurate measurements without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate the doctor blade from different angles, then measurement accuracy of radius and straightness improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into separate components by using multiple light sources positioned at different angles. Each light source illuminates specific features of the doctor blade (such as the curved radial surface from different perspectives), allowing the system to independently measure and analyze radius and straightness deviations separately and then combine the results.
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 apparatus ensures accurate and consistent measurements of doctor blade geometric parameters, ensuring uniform toner transfer and improved print quality by identifying and correcting deviations within specified tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
allows for precise measurements of geometric deviations in the doctor blade by capturing reflections and shadows
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus includes a camera defining an optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring geometric deviations in a doctor blade includes a camera defining an optical axis. The optical axis defines an X-axis in a Cartesian coordinate system. An origin of the Cartesian coordinate system defines an intersection point. A first light source has a first central axis. The first central axis is angularly disposed from the X-axis by a first angle with respect to the X-axis. A second light source has a second central axis. The second central axis is angularly disposed from the X-axis by a second angle with respect to the X-axis. A doctor blade holding device is configured to mount a doctor blade wherein a portion of the doctor blade to be measured is positioned at the intersection point.