Image Forming Apparatus Abnormal Sound Source Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses struggle to detect and specify the cause of both known and unknown abnormal sounds, which can indicate the end of a component's lifespan or impending failure, leading to user discomfort and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
An abnormal sound diagnosis system that utilizes a determination unit to analyze sound wave levels and driving states of multiple units over time, employing a specifying unit to identify the source of abnormal sounds by comparing driving states and sound occurrences across different time periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sound detection is performed only at predetermined timing when known abnormal sound is emitted, then determination on known abnormal sound can be made, but determination on unknown abnormal sound cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sound detection process into multiple time periods during the predetermined operation, collecting sound wave levels at different stages. This segmentation allows the system to analyze sound patterns across the entire operation cycle, enabling detection of both known and unknown abnormal sounds by comparing actual sound patterns against expected patterns for each time period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the detection approach by obtaining driving states of multiple driving units at each time period and correlating them with sound wave levels. This dynamic analysis allows the system to adapt to different operation conditions and identify abnormal sounds regardless of whether they were predetermined or discovered during operation.
2Productivity
If multiple driving units operate simultaneously, then the apparatus can perform complex operations, but it becomes difficult to specify which driving unit is emitting abnormal sound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis by time periods and driving units, creating a matrix of sound wave levels correlated with specific driving unit states at each time period. This segmentation allows the system to isolate and identify which specific driving unit is emitting abnormal sound, even when multiple units operate simultaneously, by comparing the temporal patterns of sound emission with driving unit operation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the determination unit analyzes sound wave levels and compares them with driving states, then the specifying unit uses this feedback to identify the abnormal sound source. The system continuously monitors and adjusts its analysis based on the correlation between driving unit states and sound patterns, enabling accurate identification of the problematic unit.
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
Effectively identifies the cause of abnormal sounds, allowing for timely maintenance and reducing unnecessary service visits by accurately determining the source of the issue, regardless of whether the sound is known or unknown.
Implementation Method 1
based on sound wave levels of sound occurring in the apparatus measured in the plurality of time periods
Data Source
AI summary
An abnormal sound diagnosis system for specifying a cause of abnormal sound in an apparatus that includes a plurality of operating units that perform a predetermined operation and a plurality of driving units that drive the plurality of operating units: determines occurrence of abnormal sound in a plurality of time periods, based on sound wave levels of sound occurring in the apparatus measured in the plurality of time periods; obtains driving states of the plurality of driving units in the plurality of time periods; and specifies a driving unit corresponding to occurrence of abnormal sound based on a plurality of comparison results corresponding to different timings, that are obtained by comparing the driving states and the occurring states obtained at the different timings in the predetermined operation.