Moisture Detection in Processing Devices Using Dual-Wavelength Optical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing devices face challenges in accurately detecting and managing the moisture content of media during printing, as surface roughness and moisture levels can vary significantly, affecting printing quality, and existing technologies do not effectively monitor changes in moisture levels before and after processing.
Innovation Solution
A processing device equipped with a first and second light source emitting light with peak wavelengths between 900 nm to 2,100 nm, positioned upstream and downstream of the processing area, respectively, to detect moisture levels using optical sensors, combined with ultrasonic and electrostatic capacitance sensors to accurately measure moisture changes before and after processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surface roughness sensors are used to detect medium characteristics, then medium type differentiation is achieved, but moisture content detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensor units: a surface roughness sensor for detecting medium type and a moisture sensor for detecting moisture content. Each sensor operates independently with its own light source and detector, allowing simultaneous measurement of different medium characteristics without interference between measurement functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual-wavelength light source as an intermediary that can selectively excite different properties of the medium. By using light at specific wavelengths (e.g., 940 nm and 1450 nm for water absorption), the system can indirectly detect moisture content through optical absorption characteristics without direct contact with the medium surface.
2Measurement precision
If single-point detection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of moisture changes before and after processing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of moisture content before the processing step, then detects moisture content again after processing. By measuring moisture levels at both time points (before and after), the system can accurately determine the change in moisture content caused by the processing, enabling precise control and quality verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-sensor system provides feedback on both surface roughness and moisture content simultaneously. The moisture sensor continuously monitors moisture levels and provides feedback signals that can be used to adjust processing parameters in real-time, ensuring consistent processing results and enabling precise detection of moisture changes.
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 precise detection of moisture changes in the medium, improving printing quality by accurately assessing moisture levels before and after processing, thereby enhancing the understanding of medium characteristics and optimizing processing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the first light source irradiates, with light, the medium before being subjected to processing by the processing portion, the first light receiving portion receives light reflected by the medium
Implementation Method 2
a first light source and a second light source configured to emit light having a peak wavelength from 900 nm to 2,100 nm
Data Source
AI summary
A processing device includes a first light source and a second light source configured to emit light having a peak wavelength from 900 nm to 2,100 nm, a first light receiving portion, a second light receiving portion, and a processing portion configured to subject a medium to processing of increasing or reducing an amount of moisture contained in the medium. the first light source and the first light receiving portion are positioned upstream of the processing portion in a transport direction of the medium, the first light source irradiates, with light, the medium, the first light receiving portion receives light reflected by the medium, the second light source and the second light receiving portion are positioned downstream of the processing portion in the transport direction, the second light source irradiates, with light, the medium, and the second light receiving portion receives light reflected by the medium.