Movable Sensor Carriage for Recording Medium Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image recording apparatuses face challenges in detecting the width-direction end of a recording medium, especially when different width recording media are joined together, requiring multiple sensors to be moved in the width direction to accurately position for image recording.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a conveyance part, a first sensor (edge sensor) for detecting the end of the recording medium, a second sensor (seam sensor) for detecting the seam, and a positional relationship regulation part that allows both sensors to be moved together, improving workability and efficiency by using a carriage with a guide part and a vibration suppression member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are moved separately in the width direction to detect different positions, then each sensor can detect the state of the recording medium at the desired position, but the workability and efficiency deteriorate due to separate adjustment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (edge sensor and seam sensor) onto a single movable carriage assembly. This allows both sensors to be positioned and adjusted simultaneously as a unit, eliminating the need for separate adjustment operations for each sensor while maintaining the ability to detect at different width positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage serves as a universal mounting platform that can hold multiple sensors with different detection functions. By designing the carriage to accommodate both edge sensors and seam sensors, the system achieves multi-functionality where a single structural element performs multiple detection roles.
2Device complexity
If sensors are fixed at specific positions, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability deteriorates when recording media of different widths are joined together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces movable carriages that can be adjusted in the width direction to different positions. This dynamic positioning capability allows the sensors to adapt to different recording medium widths and configurations, transforming a static fixed structure into a dynamic adjustable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is segmented into separate sensor units mounted on independent carriages. This segmentation allows each sensor to be independently positioned and adjusted to the appropriate location for detecting different media configurations, providing flexibility without requiring complete system redesign.
3Productivity
If the carriage moves in the width direction, then both sensors can be positioned simultaneously, but the vibration suppression requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates vibration suppression members (dampers) on the carriage before the carriage is put into motion. These pre-installed vibration suppression elements cushion and dampen vibrations during the width-direction movement, preventing them from interfering with sensor detections while maintaining positioning efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus having a plurality of sensors for performing a detection with respect to a recording medium is provided, with which it is made possible for each of the plurality of sensors to detect the state of the recording medium at a desired position of the recording medium even in a case where the width of the recording medium being used has been modified. The image recording apparatus includes a conveyance part configured to convey the recording medium, a first sensor configured to perform a detection with respect to the recording medium, a second sensor configured to perform a detection with respect to the recording medium, and a positional relationship regulation part configured to regulate a positional relationship between the first sensor and the second sensor. The first sensor and the second sensor are movable in conjunction with one another by moving the positional relationship regulation part.