Optical Fuser Wrap Jam Detection Before Full Media Wrap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrap jam detection methods in printers using electrophotographic technology are inefficient, often detecting jams only after the print medium is completely wrapped around the fusing member, making it difficult to remove and potentially damaging the fuser.
Innovation Solution
Employing an optical wrap jam detection sensor that distinguishes between specularly and diffusely reflected light to detect jams before the print medium is fully wrapped, using a specific arrangement of light emitting and receiving portions to ensure only diffusely reflected light is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a temperature sensor is used to detect wrap jams by measuring the fusing member's temperature, then the detection method is simple, but the detection is delayed until after the print medium is completely wrapped around the fusing member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the temperature-based detection method with an optical detection system using a light emitting portion and light receiving portion. This optical system can detect the presence of print medium on the fusing member surface in real-time by detecting reflected light, thereby eliminating the detection delay inherent in temperature-based methods while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
2Reliability
If the light receiving portion is arranged to receive reflected light from the fusing member, then wrap jams can be detected, but specularly reflected light may cause false detection signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different surface conditions at different locations. A rough portion is formed on the fusing member surface at the light reception position, which causes diffuse reflection of light. This localized roughness ensures that only diffusely reflected light from print medium wrap jams reaches the light receiving portion, while specularly reflected light from the smooth fusing member surface is directed away from the sensor, thereby eliminating false detection signals.
3Reliability
If the print medium is detected after complete wrapping around the fusing member, then the detection is reliable, but the jammed print medium becomes difficult to remove and may damage the fuser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting the wrap jam at the initial stage when the print medium first contacts the fusing member surface, before complete wrapping occurs. The optical detection system triggers immediately upon detecting the presence of print medium through reflected light changes, allowing operators to remove the jammed material before it becomes entrenched or causes damage to the fuser components.
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 immediate detection of wrap jams, allowing easy removal of the jammed print medium and reducing damage to the fuser, thereby lowering maintenance costs and service calls.
Implementation Method 1
a wrap jam detection sensor that irradiates light to an outer perimeter of the fusing member and that receives diffusely reflected light from the print medium
Data Source
AI summary
A fuser includes a fusing member, a pressing member facing the fusing member to form a fusing nip, and a wrap jam detection sensor comprising a light emitting portion to irradiate light to the fusing member and a light receiving portion to receive light diffusely reflected from the fusing member.