Image Recording Apparatus Sensor Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image recording apparatuses with multiple detection members incur high manufacturing costs due to the need to detect various states of recording mediums, prompting a need for a solution that reduces the number of detection members required.

Innovation Solution

An image recording apparatus with a tray system that uses a moving member, actuator, sensor, and control unit to detect different recording medium sizes using a reduced number of detection members, determining the medium's position based on sensor signals and a reference position mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple detection members are used to detect various states of recording mediums, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single detection member is designed to perform multiple detection functions by detecting different states (presence/absence, size, position) of recording mediums through a single sensor, eliminating the need for multiple specialized detection members and thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining comprehensive detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the detection parameters by using a single sensor to detect different physical states and positions of recording mediums, thereby achieving multiple detection objectives with one detection member, which reduces manufacturing cost while preserving detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple detection members are used to detect various states of recording mediums, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidnumber of detection members

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple detection functions that would traditionally require separate detection members are merged into a single detection member, which detects various states of recording mediums through unified sensing, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution allows for precise detection of recording medium sizes with a reduced number of detection members, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor is configured to output an ON signal or an OFF signal based on positions of the moving member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Data Source

PatentUS8790026B2Image recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2014.07.29 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image recording apparatus includes a body, a tray, a moving member, an actuator, a sensor, a reference position moving mechanism and a control unit. The moving member is movable to a first position, a second position, a third position and a reference position. The actuator moves the moving member to the first position, the second position and the third position. The sensor outputs an ON signal or an OFF signal based on positions of the moving member, the positions including the first position, the second position, the third position and the reference position. The reference position moving mechanism moves the moving member to the reference position. The control unit determines a detection position to be detected based on a change of the ON signal and the OFF signal of the sensor when the moving member is moved between the detection position and the reference position by the reference position moving mechanism. The control unit further determines that a recording medium held on the tray is the first recording medium when the detection position is the first position and that a recording medium held on the tray is the second recording medium when the detection position is the second position.