Image Forming Head Movement with Variable-Speed Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face challenges in moving a head quickly and precisely to multiple image formation positions, such as a main and sub image formation positions, due to their configuration.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system and method utilizing a head moving mechanism with a carriage, stepping motor, power transmitter, and sensors, controlled by a controller to move the head between image formation areas and an escape area, adjusting velocities and step numbers based on sensor states to achieve precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the head is moved using a conventional head moving mechanism, then the head can be positioned at image formation positions, but the movement speed and positioning precision are insufficient for multiple image formation positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing variable velocity control during head movement. The head moving mechanism operates at a first velocity during preliminary movement phases and switches to a second velocity (different from the first) when approaching the target position. This dynamic velocity adjustment enables the system to achieve both rapid positioning and precise stopping at multiple image formation positions, resolving the contradiction between movement speed and positioning precision.
2Productivity
If the head moving mechanism uses a single velocity for movement, then the structure is simple, but it cannot achieve both quick movement and precise positioning at multiple image formation positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through multi-stage velocity control. The head moving mechanism executes movement in distinct phases: initially at a first velocity for rapid transit, then switching to a second velocity for precise positioning. This periodic velocity variation allows the system to maintain high productivity by quickly traversing between positions while achieving precise positioning, without requiring overly complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect the head's position and provide information to the controller. The controller adjusts the stepping motor's rotation based on sensor feedback, enabling automatic velocity switching and precise positioning. This feedback-based control achieves both high productivity and accurate positioning while keeping the device structure relatively simple through intelligent control algorithms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the head is moved to multiple image formation positions including sub positions, then image formation versatility is improved, but the difficulty of moving the head suitably to each position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a head moving mechanism that can serve multiple functions: positioning at main image formation positions, sub image formation positions, and maintenance positions. The same mechanism with variable velocity control and sensor feedback handles all positioning tasks uniformly, making the system versatile while maintaining ease of operation through automated control rather than manual intervention for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated positioning control. The controller automatically determines the appropriate velocity stage and adjusts the stepping motor based on sensor feedback, without requiring manual operation for each positioning task. This self-service capability enables the head to be moved suitably to any image formation position (main or sub positions) automatically, improving versatility while maintaining ease of operation.
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 quick and precise movement of the head to various image formation positions, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of image formation processes.
Implementation Method 1
a stepping motor; a power transmitter which is connected to the carriage and the stepping motor and which is configured to transmit a power of the stepping motor to the carriage
Implementation Method 2
a first sensor and a second sensor each configured to sense that the head is located in the image formation area, and each configured to be in an OFF state in a case where the head is located in the escape area
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image forming system including: a head; a head moving mechanism including a stepping motor; and a controller configured to: in a case where the head is moved to a first position, rotate the stepping motor until the head arrives at a first preliminary position and rotate the stepping motor by a step number S1; in a case where the head is moved to a second position, rotate the stepping motor until the head arrives at a second preliminary position and rotate the stepping motor by a step number S2; and in a case where the head is moved to a third position, rotate the stepping motor until the head arrives at a third preliminary position and rotate the stepping motor by a step number S3.