Electric Board Positioning for Sheet Detection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with multiple detecting portions on a single board experience increased detection errors due to shifts between units, particularly when trying to detect the presence of a recording medium across multiple units.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a configuration where detecting portions, such as registration detection flags and photointerrupters, are strategically positioned on an electric board to accurately detect sheets across multiple units, with the board's surface parallel to the sheet conveyance path, and bosses and slits restrict the board's position relative to units, minimizing shifts and ensuring accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple detecting portions are provided on a single board to achieve cost reduction, then device complexity is reduced, but detection precision deteriorates due to shifts between unit positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a fixed positional relationship between the detecting portions on the single board and the units. The board is designed with predetermined positions for detection flags and photointerrupters that correspond to specific unit locations, ensuring accurate detection before any shifts occur. This pre-configured arrangement allows the system to maintain detection accuracy despite subsequent positional variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single board serving as the mounting structure acts as an intermediary that integrates multiple detecting portions while maintaining their precise spatial relationships. This intermediary board provides a stable platform that holds detection flags and photointerrupters in fixed positions, mediating between the units and the detection system, thereby reducing the impact of unit position shifts on detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If detection boards are disposed directly in units with separate control and detection boards, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple detecting portions (detection flags and photointerrupters) onto a single board that is integrated with the unit structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate control and detection boards, reducing structural complexity while maintaining detection accuracy through the predetermined positional relationships established in the design.
3Ease of manufacture
If the board position is not restricted relative to units, then ease of assembly is improved, but detection precision deteriorates due to position shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the positional relationship between the board and units through design-stage predetermined positions. Detection flags and photointerrupters are placed at specific locations on the board that correspond to unit positions, establishing accurate detection capability before assembly occurs. This pre-configured arrangement ensures that even with manufacturing tolerances, the detection system maintains accuracy.
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 configuration significantly reduces detection errors by maintaining precise alignment between detection flags and photointerrupters, ensuring reliable sheet detection even with shifts between units, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
a second detecting portion (photointerrupter) is provided on the electric board
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first unit, a second unit fixed to the first unit at a portion upstream of the first unit in a conveyance direction in which the sheet is conveyed, and an electric board. In the image forming apparatus, a disposition of the electric board is restricted by the first unit and the second unit.