Optical Sensor Sheet Detection via Rib Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveyance devices lack efficient detection mechanisms for the opening and closing states of the cover member and the position of the sheet, which hampers safe and appropriate sheet conveyance.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance device is designed with a device main body, a cover member, a sheet stacking tray, an ascent-descent drive portion, a sheet conveyance portion, and a control portion. The device incorporates an optical sensor with a light emitting and receiving portion, and the cover member features stationary and swingable ribs with hole portions that allow light to pass through, enabling the control portion to detect the states of the cover member and sheet position based on received light levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect cover member state and sheet position, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single optical sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions: detecting both the opening/closing state of the cover member and the position of the sheet. The sensor serves dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each detection function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is segmented into different detection phases or modes. The optical sensor detects different states (cover member opening/closing, sheet position) at different times or through different detection patterns, allowing one sensor to handle multiple detection tasks that would traditionally require multiple sensors.
2Device complexity
If a single optical sensor is used to detect both cover member state and sheet position, then device complexity is reduced, but detection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor dynamically switches between different detection functions based on the operational state of the sheet conveyance device. The sensor adapts its detection pattern to detect either the cover member state or the sheet position depending on what is currently needed, maintaining reliable detection across different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The control portion receives feedback signals from the optical sensor and uses this information to determine both the cover member state and sheet position. The feedback mechanism allows the system to reliably interpret the sensor's signals in different contexts, ensuring accurate detection despite using a single sensor for multiple purposes.
3Measurement precision
If the optical sensor detects light through hole portions in ribs, then detection capability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is merged into the existing cover member structure itself. The hole portions are integrated directly into the ribs of the cover member, combining the structural element (rib) with the detection mechanism (hole portion for light transmission). This integration allows the cover member to serve both structural and detection purposes, reducing overall device complexity.
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 allows for accurate detection of the cover member's open and closed states and the sheet's position, ensuring safe and efficient sheet conveyance while reducing costs by utilizing a single optical sensor.
Implementation Method 1
The control portion, based on an amount of received light incident on the light receiving portion, detects the opened state and the closed state of the cover member and an up-down position of the sheet stacked on the sheet stacking tray
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyance device includes a cover member, a sheet stacking tray, a control portion, and an optical sensor. The cover member has a stationary rib that enters and retreats from an optical path along with opening and closing of the cover member, and a swingable rib that enters and retreats from the optical path along with up-down movement of the sheet on the sheet stacking tray. The control portion, based on an amount of received light incident on the optical sensor, detects an opened state and a closed state of the cover member and an up-down position of the sheet stacked on the sheet stacking tray.