Image Forming Sheet-Path Detection with a Dual-Function Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently detecting sheet jams and the posture of branch guides, often requiring multiple sensors which increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A single sensor is used to detect both the presence of sheets on the transport route and the posture of the branch guide, reducing the need for additional sensors and enabling automatic identification and resolution of abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to detect sheet jams and branch guide postures, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions: it detects both the posture of the branch guide and the presence of sheets in the first transport route. By making the sensor universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate sensors for each function, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection of branch guide posture and sheet presence into a single integrated sensor system. The sensor is positioned to simultaneously monitor both parameters, merging what would traditionally require separate detection mechanisms into one unified solution
2Ease of manufacture
If a single sensor is used to detect both sheet presence and branch guide posture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor's detection capability is segmented into distinct functional zones: one zone detects the branch guide posture while another zone detects sheet presence. This segmentation allows the single sensor to accurately distinguish between different detection targets, maintaining measurement precision despite using only one sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as an intermediary that translates both branch guide posture and sheet presence into distinguishable signal patterns. By using the sensor as a multi-functional intermediary, the system maintains detection precision for both parameters without requiring separate specialized sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes an image forming device (13); a fixing device (14); a first transport route (113); a second transport route (114); a branch guide (40) that assumes a first posture and a second posture; a sheet contact member (20) that assumes a non-contact posture and a contacting posture; a detection object (60) that assumes a first posture, when the branch guide (40) assumes the first posture and when the sheet contact member (20) assumes the non-contact posture, and assumes a second posture, when the branch guide (40) assumes the second posture and when the sheet contact member (20) assumes the contacting posture; and a sensor (80) that outputs a first signal, when the detection object (60) is in the first posture, and outputs a second signal, when the detection object (60) is in the second posture.