Optical Pipe Connection Verification for Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses with color ink jet systems, ensuring correct connection of ink pipes with identical joint sections for different colors is challenging due to similar shapes, leading to potential imperfect connections, which existing detectors cannot accurately detect.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connection decision device using light emitters and receivers of distinct colors to identify and verify the correct alignment of connectors, with a control device determining if the received light colors match the allocated colors, displaying messages for normal or incorrect connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If joint sections for different colors are given the same shape to minimize manufacturing burden, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of correct connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to the ink pipes and joint sections to differentiate between colors. Each joint section is provided with a light emitter that emits light of a specific color corresponding to the ink color, and light receivers detect the emitted light to verify correct connection. This allows pipes of the same shape to be reliably matched by color verification rather than requiring different shapes.
2Device complexity
If joint sections for different colors are collectively located at a predetermined position, then device complexity is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring correct connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where light receivers detect the color of light emitted by light emitters on the connected pipes. The detection result is fed back to the control unit, which determines whether the connection is correct. This automatic feedback system simplifies the detection process compared to manual verification methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection or mechanical detection methods with an optical detection system. Light emitters and light receivers form an optical field-based detection mechanism that automatically verifies color matching, substituting complex manual detection processes with a simpler optical system.
3Productivity
If existing detectors are used to detect connector connection, then productivity is improved by preventing imperfect connection, but the measurement precision of detecting wrong color connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-specific light emitters and color-sensitive light receivers to detect not just the presence of a connection but specifically whether the correct color pipe is connected. Each light emitter emits light of a specific color (yellow, cyan, magenta, or black), and the corresponding light receiver detects this color to verify correct matching, providing precise color-based verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives detection signals from the light receivers and provides feedback to determine connection correctness. When the detected light color matches the expected color for that joint section, the connection is confirmed as correct. This feedback mechanism enables precise detection of wrong color connections that existing detectors would miss.
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
Accurately detects and notifies users of correct or incorrect connections between ink pipes, preventing improper connections and reducing the need for extensive repairs.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of light emitters are respectively provided on the plurality of connector receivers, and each output light of a predetermined color allocated to the corresponding connector receiver, the colors being different from each other. The plurality of light receivers are respectively provided on the plurality of connectors, and each receive, when the connector receiver and the connector are coupled with each other, the light from the light emitter of the connector receiver coupled with the corresponding connector.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe connection decision device includes a first material including a plurality of first pipes each having a connector receiver attached to one end, a second material including a plurality of second pipes each having a connector attached to one end, a plurality of light emitters respectively provided on the plurality of connector receivers, a plurality of light receivers respectively provided on the plurality of connectors, a storage device, a display device, and a control device. The control device causes the display device, upon deciding that the color of received light accords with an allocated color, with respect to all of the plurality of light receivers, to display a first message, and causes the display device, upon deciding that the color of received light discords with the allocated color, with respect to at least one of the plurality of light receivers, to display a second message.