Image Formation Focal Gap Control Using Temperature Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image formation systems incur high costs and large device sizes due to the use of distance sensors to measure and adjust distances between image carriers and opposed members, such as exposure devices and photoconductor drums.
Innovation Solution
An image formation system that includes temperature detectors on multiple components between the opposed member and the image carrier, using these sensors to predict and adjust distance fluctuations without the need for expensive distance sensors, thereby reducing costs and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If distance sensors are used to measure and adjust distances between image carriers and opposed members, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical distance sensor system with a temperature detection system. Temperature detectors monitor thermal changes in the adjuster and connected components, and the controller uses these temperature readings to calculate and predict distance fluctuations, thereby substituting a complex distance measurement mechanism with a simpler temperature-based indirect measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure distance changes. Instead of directly measuring distance between the image carrier and opposed member, the system measures temperature changes in the adjuster and connected components, then uses these temperature data to infer distance fluctuations, serving as a cost-effective intermediary measurement method.
2Measurement precision
If distance sensors are attached to opposed members, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky distance sensors with compact temperature detectors. The temperature detection units are significantly smaller than traditional distance measurement sensors, and the controller calculates distance information from temperature readings, thereby reducing the overall device size while maintaining measurement capability.
3Device complexity
If temperature detectors are used instead of distance sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature detectors continuously monitor thermal changes in the adjuster and connected components, and the controller uses this temperature feedback to calculate distance fluctuations and adjust the position of the opposed member accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for the indirect nature of temperature-based measurement, maintaining precision while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct distance measurement to temperature measurement. By monitoring temperature changes in the adjuster and connected components, and using the known thermal expansion coefficients and geometric relationships, the system converts temperature parameter changes into distance information, achieving a simpler measurement approach.
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
The system effectively maintains focal accuracy while minimizing cost and device size by utilizing temperature sensors to adjust distances, thus reducing reliance on costly and bulky distance sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The controller acquires a shift amount of the focal position with respect to thermal expansion of the optical unit on the basis of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation system includes an image carrier that rotates; an opposed member that is opposed to the image carrier and is connected to the image carrier by an adjuster that adjusts a distance to the image carrier; and a temperature detector that is provided on any two or more components among the opposed member, the adjuster, and components other than the adjustor that are interposed between the opposed member and the image carrier.