Optical Sensor Positioning Reference Surface for Image Density Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensors in image forming apparatuses face challenges with inaccurate attachment, leading to decreased output values due to deviations in light emission position and substrate thickness variations, resulting in increased production costs and reduced yield percentages.
Innovation Solution
The optical sensor is designed with a light emitting element mounted on a substrate, where the substrate's surface serves as a positioning reference for precise attachment, and the light receiving elements are positioned to receive light in parallel, minimizing deviations and optimizing light emission alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical sensor is attached to the apparatus body, then the light emission position may deviate due to substrate thickness variations, but using the opposite surface as positioning reference does not account for mounting surface irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the mounting surface of the substrate as a reference copy for positioning, rather than using the opposite surface. This allows the positioning to account for actual mounting surface irregularities and thickness variations, ensuring accurate light emission position despite manufacturing tolerances.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional optical sensors are used with opposite surface positioning, then attachment is simpler, but light emission position deviation occurs reducing detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting surface itself is used as the positioning reference copy, eliminating the need for separate positioning features on the opposite surface. This maintains attachment simplicity while improving detection accuracy by ensuring the light emission position is correct despite substrate thickness variations.
3Device complexity
If the light emitting element is mounted on the substrate, then compact design is achieved, but substrate thickness variations cause light emission position deviation
Solution Approach 1:
By using the mounting surface as the reference, the invention maintains the compact surface-mounting structure while compensating for thickness variations. The positioning is based on the actual mounting surface geometry rather than assuming a fixed thickness, preserving compactness while improving position consistency.
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
This configuration enhances the accuracy of toner attraction amount detection, stabilizes image density control, and reduces production costs by improving yield percentages and extending the operational lifespan of optical sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element (311) mounted on a substrate (314), the surface of which serves as a positioning reference; a light receiving element (312) mounted on the substrate (314) to receive regular reflection light reflected by the detection object
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving element (312) mounted on the substrate (314) to receive regular reflection light reflected by the detection object
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor attached to an apparatus includes a substrate and a light emitting element mounted on a first surface of the substrate. The light emitting element emits a light to a detection object in parallel to the substrate. A light receiving element is mounted on the first surface of the substrate. The light receiving element receives a regular reflection light reflected by the detection object. The said first surface serves as a positioning reference for positioning the optical sensor on an optical sensor mounting member provided in the apparatus.