Fluid Detection Using Magnetic Vibration Convergence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid detection methods in electrophotography image forming apparatuses face precision issues due to deformation of sheets or obstruction of frequency signals, leading to inaccurate detection of developer residual quantities in containers.
Innovation Solution
A fluid detection apparatus and method utilizing an oscillator outside the casing to output frequency signals corresponding to magnetic flux, a vibrator inside the casing made of material affecting the magnetic flux, and circuitry to acquire and analyze frequency-related information, determining fluid quantity based on vibration convergence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a sheet is used to detect developer residual quantity by deformation, then the detection method is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to sheet property changes and developer adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sheet deformation detection system with a magnetic field-based detection system. A vibrator made of magnetic material is subjected to magnetic flux from a magnet, and the vibration characteristics are detected by a sensor. This substitution eliminates the issues of sheet property changes and developer adhesion, providing more stable and precise measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from physical deformation of a sheet to vibration characteristics of a magnetic material. By measuring the frequency and amplitude of vibrations of the vibrator in response to magnetic flux, the system achieves more reliable detection that is not affected by material aging or contamination.
2Reliability
If the vibrator is obstructed by developer, then the detection can be performed, but the frequency signals cannot be detected when the vibrator does not vibrate, leading to loss of information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection result is used to control the vibration excitation. When the vibrator does not vibrate due to developer obstruction, the system detects this state through the absence of vibration signals and uses feedback to determine that the developer has reached a specific condition, preventing information loss about the developer state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic vibration characteristics to detect developer quantity. The vibrator is continuously excited and its vibration response is monitored. When developer obstructs the vibrator, the dynamic response changes (amplitude decreases, frequency changes), providing detectable information about the developer state rather than complete signal loss.
3Measurement precision
If the vibration convergence time is extended to improve detection accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the productivity deteriorates due to longer detection time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic vibration excitation of the vibrator at its resonant frequency. This periodic action allows the system to quickly establish steady-state vibrations, reducing the convergence time required for accurate measurement while maintaining detection precision. The periodic nature also facilitates easier signal processing and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the detection system to serve multiple functions: it can detect both the quantity of developer and the vibration characteristics simultaneously. The same vibration measurement used for precision detection also provides information about the developer's physical state, eliminating the need for separate measurement procedures and improving overall detection efficiency.
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 approach enables precise detection of fluid quantity by analyzing changes in oscillation frequency signals, overcoming the limitations of sheet deformation and signal obstruction, thereby improving the accuracy of fluid level monitoring in the developer container.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator disposed outside the casing to output a frequency of an oscillation signal corresponding to a magnetic flux passing through a space near the oscillator
Implementation Method 2
a vibrator made of material effecting the magnetic flux and disposed inside the casing
Implementation Method 3
a vibration trigger disposed inside the casing to vibrate the vibrator
Implementation Method 4
circuitry to acquire frequency-related information related to the frequency of the oscillation signal output from the oscillator periodically, the frequency-related information changeable depending on a vibration of the vibrator, detect the vibration of the vibrator based on a change of the frequency-related information
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid detection apparatus to detect quantity of a fluid having flowability and stored in a casing includes an oscillator disposed outside the casing to output a frequency of an oscillation signal corresponding to a magnetic flux passing through a space near the oscillator, a vibrator made of material effecting the magnetic flux and disposed inside the casing, a vibration trigger disposed inside the casing to vibrate the vibrator, and circuitry to acquire frequency-related information related to the frequency of the oscillation signal output from the oscillator, detect the vibration of the vibrator based on a change of the frequency-related information, determine whether the vibration of the vibrator converges during a convergence-checking time period defined after the vibrator is vibrated by the vibration trigger, and detect the quantity of the fluid in the casing based on a convergence determination result of the vibration of the vibrator.