Electrostatic and Ultrasonic Sensor Sandwich for Media Moisture Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image formation devices face challenges in accurately differentiating between media of the same type based on surface roughness and moisture content, which affects printing quality.

Innovation Solution

A detection device comprising electrostatic capacitance sensors and ultrasonic wave sensors is used to accurately measure the moisture content of media by detecting electrostatic capacitance and ultrasonic wave transmittance, with sensors positioned to sandwich the medium before and after processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If surface roughness sensors are used to differentiate media types, then media differentiation capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because surface roughness varies even within the same media type due to moisture content differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia differentiation capabilityVSAvoidmoisture content detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical surface roughness measurement with electrostatic capacitance sensing to detect moisture content. The electrostatic capacitance sensor measures changes in capacitance caused by moisture variations in the media, providing a non-contact measurement method that is not affected by surface roughness variations. This substitution enables accurate moisture detection while maintaining media differentiation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If electrostatic capacitance sensors are used to detect moisture content, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple sensors (electrostatic capacitance sensor and ultrasonic wave sensor)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture content detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electrostatic capacitance sensing and ultrasonic wave sensing into a single integrated detection device. The electrostatic capacitance sensor and ultrasonic wave sensor are positioned to sandwich the media, working together to measure both electrostatic properties and acoustic transmission characteristics. This merging approach enables comprehensive moisture detection while sharing mechanical structures and control systems, thereby managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various media types and detection requirements. The electrostatic capacitance sensor can detect moisture content, while the ultrasonic wave sensor provides additional verification and measurement capabilities. This universal design allows the same device to accurately measure moisture across different media types without requiring separate specialized sensors for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 high-accuracy detection of moisture content, improving printing quality by accounting for variations in media moisture and surface characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

an electrostatic capacitance sensor including an electrode pair and being configured to detect electrostatic capacitance of a medium brought into contact with the electrode pair

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

an ultrasonic wave sensor including a transmission unit configured to transmit an ultrasonic wave and a reception unit configured to receive an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmission unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS11553093B2Detection device and processing device

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A detection device includes an electrostatic capacitance sensor including an electrode pair and being configured to detect electrostatic capacitance of a medium brought into contact with the electrode pair, and a first ultrasonic wave sensor including a first transmission unit configured to transmit an ultrasonic wave and a first reception unit configured to receive an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the first transmission unit. The transmission unit and the reception unit are positioned to sandwich the medium.