Image Carrier Gap Adjustment Using Thermal Expansion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image formation systems incur high costs due to the need for distance sensors to measure and adjust the distance between image carriers and opposed members, leading to increased system complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An image formation system that includes an image carrier, an opposed member connected by an adjuster, and temperature detectors on various components to adjust the distance based on temperature fluctuations, eliminating the need for costly distance sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a distance sensor is attached to the opposed member to measure and adjust the distance between the image carrier and the opposed member, then the distance adjustment precision is improved, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical distance sensor system with a temperature detection system. Temperature detectors monitor thermal expansion of the adjuster and calculate distance changes based on temperature variations, eliminating the need for complex distance sensors while maintaining adjustment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct distance measurement to temperature measurement. By detecting temperature changes in the adjuster components and using thermal expansion coefficients, the system calculates distance variations without requiring physical distance sensors
2Measurement precision
If a distance sensor is attached to the opposed member to measure and adjust the distance between the image carrier and the opposed member, then the distance adjustment precision is improved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive distance sensors with cheaper temperature detectors and calculation algorithms. The temperature detection system combined with thermal expansion calculations provides the necessary measurement capability at a lower cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive temperature detectors instead of costly distance sensors. The temperature detection components are simpler and more economical while achieving the same functional goal of monitoring and adjusting distances
3Ease of manufacture
If temperature detectors are used to adjust distance fluctuations, then the system cost is reduced, but the measurement capability changes from direct distance measurement to temperature-based indirect measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces temperature as an intermediary parameter to measure distance changes. Temperature detectors monitor thermal state, and through thermal expansion coefficient calculations, the system derives distance information indirectly while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct distance measurement to temperature-based indirect measurement. By monitoring temperature variations in the adjuster and applying thermal expansion physics, the system accurately determines distance changes
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 adjusts distance fluctuations while reducing costs by using temperature detectors, maintaining precision without the need for expensive 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 and corrects the focal position
Data Source
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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.