Image-Forming Cleaning Mechanism With Dual-Sensor Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting abnormalities in the movement and drive mechanisms of cleaning devices, which can lead to damage if not addressed promptly.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device equipped with a current detecting portion, movement detecting portion, drive processing portion, state determination processing portion, and abnormality determination processing portion to monitor and control the drive source based on drive current and movement detection, determining abnormalities in these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drive control is performed based on movement detecting portion only, then cleaning portion positioning is achieved, but abnormality detection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines movement detecting portion (optical sensor) and current detecting portion (current sensor) to form a dual-detection system. The control unit integrates signals from both sensors to comprehensively monitor cleaning portion position and drive source status, enabling both precise positioning and reliable abnormality detection simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring both movement detection signals and current detection signals, comparing them against expected values, and using the feedback to detect abnormalities. The control unit adjusts drive commands based on feedback from both sensors to maintain proper operation and identify issues.
2Reliability
If drive control is performed based on drive current only, then drive source monitoring is achieved, but cleaning portion position detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges current detecting portion for drive source monitoring with movement detecting portion for position detection. This combination allows the system to simultaneously achieve reliable drive source monitoring through current analysis and precise cleaning portion position detection through optical sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a position controller (using movement detection) and a drive monitor (using current detection). This single control unit handles multiple functions: positioning, speed control, and abnormality detection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems.
3Reliability
If dual detection system is implemented, then abnormality detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces system complexity by merging the control functions for both movement detection and current detection into a single control unit. This integrated approach allows dual-detection capability while avoiding the complexity of separate control systems, as one unit processes both sensor inputs and generates appropriate control responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed as a multi-functional device that handles position control, speed control, and abnormality detection using inputs from both movement and current sensors. This universal controller consolidates multiple functions into one component, improving reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
Enables timely detection and prevention of abnormalities in the drive and movement mechanisms, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing the reliability of the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
a movement detecting portion configured to detect the moving body at a predetermined specific position
Implementation Method 2
a current detecting portion configured to detect a drive current of a drive source that supplies a driving force to the moving mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device includes a state determination processing portion and an abnormality determination processing portion. The state determination processing portion, when a movement detecting portion does not detect a moving body before a predetermined specific time passes since a start of a drive of a drive source, determines a drive state of the drive source based on a detection result of a current detecting portion. The abnormality determination processing portion determines that an abnormality has occurred in the movement detecting portion when the state determination processing portion determines that the drive source is being driven, and determines that an abnormality has occurred in the drive source when the state determination processing portion determines that the drive source is not being driven.