Image Forming System Post-Processing Safety Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming systems face the challenge of preventing breakdowns when objects, such as human body parts, enter the post-processing apparatus from the outside, which can cause damage and compromise user safety.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a detection sensor system, comprising a sensor transmitter and receiver pair, is used to detect objects in a predetermined range above the processing tray, allowing the post-processing controller to stop operations when an object is detected at a specific timing, thereby preventing damage and ensuring user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the post-processing space is connected to the outside for sheet discharge, then the sheet can be discharged after post-processing, but objects from outside can enter the space and cause breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The detection sensor detects objects in advance before they can enter the post-processing space and cause damage. The controller stops the post-processing operation preliminarily when an object is detected, preventing breakdown before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection sensor acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the post-processing space. It monitors the space and communicates object presence to the controller, which then mediates by stopping the operation to prevent damage.
2Measurement precision
If the detection sensor continuously monitors the post-processing space, then object detection accuracy improves, but false detections increase causing unnecessary emergency stops
Solution Approach 1:
The controller determines in advance whether the detected object is a sheet or a foreign object based on timing and position information. This preliminary determination prevents false emergency stops by distinguishing between legitimate sheets passing through and actual foreign objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detection sensor combined with timing and position information to make intelligent determination. The controller adjusts its response based on the feedback context, stopping only when a foreign object is confirmed rather than on every detection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the post-processing operation stops frequently to check for objects, then user safety improves, but system productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection sensor performs preliminary detection of objects before the post-processing operation proceeds. By checking in advance and only stopping when necessary, the system maintains safety while minimizing interruptions to productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors and determines whether to stop operations without requiring manual intervention. The controller self-manages the safety checks and emergency stops, improving efficiency by eliminating the need for continuous human supervision.
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 solution effectively prevents breakdowns and enhances user safety by automatically stopping post-processing operations when an object is detected, reducing the frequency of unnecessary emergency stops and ensuring the system operates safely and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor transmitter and a sensor receiver, the sensor receiver to detect electromagnetic waves radiated by the sensor transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a processing tray, a post-processing controller, and a detection sensor. The processing tray is configured to support a sheet or a sheet bundle on which a post-processing is to be executed. The post-processing controller is configured to execute the post-processing on the sheet positioned on the processing tray. The detection sensor is configured to detect an object in a predetermined detection range including a space above the processing tray. The post-processing controller stops execution of the post-processing when the detection sensor detects the object at a determination timing other than a timing at which passage of the sheet or the sheet bundle through the detection range is estimated.