Image Forming Device Cover Open Detection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming devices perform unnecessary positional deviation corrections each time the cover is opened and closed without a printing operation, leading to component deterioration and wasteful consumption of coloring agents, even during single-color printing operations.

Innovation Solution

An image forming device with a control unit that only performs positional deviation detection in response to a print request after the cover has been opened and closed, ensuring that corrections are only executed when necessary, thereby preventing unnecessary detection operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If positional deviation detection is performed each time the cover is opened and closed, then image forming position accuracy is improved, but unnecessary corrections are executed during non-printing operations causing component deterioration and coloring agent waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage forming position accuracyVSAvoidcoloring agent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs positional deviation detection in advance during printing operations, and stores the detection results for later use. When the cover is opened and closed during non-printing operations, the stored detection results are reused instead of performing new detection, thereby avoiding unnecessary coloring agent consumption while maintaining position accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the detection execution strategy based on the operational state. During printing operations, detection is performed to ensure accuracy. During non-printing operations, the system switches to using stored results, making the detection process adaptive to current needs and avoiding waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If positional deviation detection is performed each time the cover is opened and closed, then image forming position accuracy is improved, but device component wear increases due to unnecessary repeated operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage forming position accuracyVSAvoidcomponent service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Positional deviation detection is performed in advance during printing operations when the components are already in use, and the results are stored. During non-printing operations, the stored results are reused, reducing the frequency of detection operations and extending component service life without compromising position accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves itself by storing detection results and automatically reusing them when appropriate. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for repeated detection operations during non-printing operations, reducing component wear while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If positional deviation detection is performed only during printing operations, then unnecessary corrections are avoided, but position accuracy may be compromised after cover operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy waste from unnecessary operationsVSAvoidimage forming position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs detection in advance during printing operations and stores the results. When the cover is opened and closed during non-printing operations, the stored detection results are reused to maintain position accuracy, eliminating the need for immediate re-detection while ensuring continued precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from previously performed detection operations to maintain position accuracy. By storing and reusing detection results, the system continuously adapts to positional deviations without requiring constant re-detection, balancing energy efficiency with precision maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 prevents unnecessary positional deviation corrections, reducing component wear and toner consumption, while ensuring accurate image formation by executing corrections only when required, such as during color or high-quality printing operations.

Implementation Method 1

the positional deviations between different color toner images are determined by detecting the pattern using an optical sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2065758B1Image forming device, and method and computer program therefor
Publication Date: 2011.10.12 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP2065758B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2065758B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2065758B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image forming device includes a main body casing, a cover configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body casing, a sensing unit configured to sense an opening-closing operation of the cover, a forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet, a detecting unit configured to perform a detecting operation to detect a deviation of an image forming position of the image to be formed by the forming unit, an accepting unit configured to accept a print request, and a control unit configured to control the detecting unit to perform the detecting operation (6) in response to the print request (7) being accepted when the sensing unit senses an opening-closing operation (1,4) of the cover after execution of a previous detecting operation, and thereafter to control the forming unit to form the image (8) in the image forming position corrected to cancel the deviation detected in the detecting operation.