Floating Detection in Image Forming Apparatuses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting floating of recording media due to temperature differences in the optical path, which cause the laser beam to bend, leading to errors in detecting the recording medium's position.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a temperature detector to monitor the temperature in the optical path and a variable mechanism that adjusts the emission direction of the laser beam based on the detected temperature, ensuring accurate detection of recording medium floating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser beam is used for floating detection, then detection capability is provided, but temperature differences cause the laser beam to bend leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature detector is introduced as an intermediary device to monitor temperature in the optical path. The detected temperature information is used by a variable mechanism to adjust the laser beam emission direction, compensating for temperature-induced bending and maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the temperature detector continuously monitors optical path temperature, and the controller adjusts the variable mechanism based on this feedback. This closed-loop control compensates for thermal effects on laser beam propagation, preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If temperature detection and variable mechanism are added, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts the laser beam emission direction based on temperature compensation needs and can potentially serve other alignment functions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing both temperature compensation and general beam direction control capabilities.
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 effectively reduces measurement errors caused by temperature-induced bending of the laser beam, enabling precise detection of recording medium floating and preventing head damage in image forming apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a light projector and a light receiver and that detects floating of the recording medium based on a light reception result by the light receiver of light emitted from the light projector
Implementation Method 2
a temperature detector that detects a temperature in an optical path of the light
Implementation Method 3
temperature differences in the optical path, which cause the laser beam to bend
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a conveyance section that conveys a recording medium along a conveyance path. The image forming apparatus includes a floating detector including a light projector and a light receiver and that detects floating of the recording medium based on a light reception result by the light receiver of light emitted from the light projector and passing above the conveyance path. The image forming apparatus includes a temperature detector that detects a temperature in an optical path of the light. The image forming apparatus includes a variable mechanism that changes an emission direction of the light from the light projector. The image forming apparatus includes circuitry to control an operation of the variable mechanism based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector.