Image Forming Apparatus Ultrasonic Sheet and Member State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face increased space, component count, and cost due to separate configurations for detecting specific sounds and sheet information, which are not efficiently integrated.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that integrates a transmitting unit for ultrasonic waves and a receiving unit, such as a MEMS microphone, to detect both basis weight and abnormal sounds, using a single control unit to determine the state of components and reduce redundant components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate configurations for detecting specific sounds and detecting sheet information are provided, then both detection functions can be performed, but the space, number of components, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving unit is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting sheet information (basis weight, double feed) and detecting abnormal sounds from members. By making the receiving unit universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate sound detection components while maintaining both detection capabilities, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sheet information detection function and abnormal sound detection function into a single receiving unit. This consolidation combines previously separate detection systems into one integrated component, reducing the overall number of components and space required while preserving both detection functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate configurations for detecting specific sounds and detecting sheet information are provided, then both detection functions can be performed, but the space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving unit is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting sheet information (basis weight, double feed) and detecting abnormal sounds from members. By making the receiving unit universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate sound detection components while maintaining both detection capabilities, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sheet information detection function and abnormal sound detection function into a single receiving unit. This consolidation combines previously separate detection systems into one integrated component, reducing the overall number of components and space required while preserving both detection functions
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
Reduces the number of components and size of the image forming apparatus while effectively detecting abnormal sounds and basis weight, thereby lowering costs.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting unit adapted to transmit an ultrasonic wave, and a receiving unit adapted to receive the ultrasonic wave that has passed through the sheet
Implementation Method 2
a receiving unit adapted to receive the ultrasonic wave that has passed through the sheet
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of members for forming an image; transmitting means adapted to transmit a sonic wave; receiving means adapted to receive a first sonic wave that has been transmitted from the transmitting means and has passed through a sheet and a second sonic wave that is generated from at least one of the plurality of members; detection means adapted to detect information regarding a type or state of the sheet based on the first sonic wave; and determination means adapted to determine a state of a member that has generated the second sonic wave based on the second sonic wave.