Optical Sensor Mounting Angle for Toner Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-color image forming apparatuses struggle to accurately measure deposited toner amounts in both thickness determining and area determining regions using a single apparatus, as they can only measure large toner amounts effectively, requiring additional equipment for smaller amounts, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A deposited toner amount measuring apparatus with an optical sensor and control unit that calculates toner amounts based on peak and bottom values of sense voltage, allowing measurement in both regions with a single apparatus by adjusting the mounting angle of the optical sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical sensor is used to measure deposited toner amount, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for small toner amounts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mounting angle parameter of the optical sensor to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting the mounting angle, the sensor can be optimized for measuring small toner amounts in the area determining region, while still being capable of measuring larger toner amounts in the thickness determining region, thus achieving versatile measurement functionality with a single sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by measuring both thickness determining region toner amounts and area determining region toner amounts with a single apparatus. The sensor's ability to operate effectively across different toner amount ranges makes it a universal measuring device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors.
2Measurement precision
If additional measuring apparatus is used for small toner amounts, then measurement precision for small toner amounts is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical sensor that can measure both large and small toner amounts with a single apparatus. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to manufacture and install separate measuring apparatus for small toner amounts, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement precision across all toner amount ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing the mounting angle parameter of the existing optical sensor, the system achieves the capability to measure small toner amounts without requiring additional hardware. This parameter optimization approach is cost-effective compared to manufacturing and installing separate specialized measuring apparatus.
3Measurement precision
If line sensor and specific optical system are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by optimizing the mounting angle parameter of a standard optical sensor rather than employing complex line sensors and specific optical systems. This parameter change enables the simple optical sensor to achieve measurement precision comparable to more complex systems, while maintaining lower device complexity and manufacturing cost.
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 accurate measurement of toner amounts in both thickness determining and area determining regions with a single apparatus, reducing manufacturing costs and improving measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
detects light reflected from a toner patch on a transfer belt irradiated with light
Data Source
AI summary
In an apparatus for measuring a deposited toner amount of a toner patch formed on a toner carrier, an intersection between a light outgoing and incoming plane including an optical axis of the light emitting portion and light receiving portion of an optical sensor and a surface of the toner carrier is perpendicular to a direction of propagation thereof. The light outgoing and incoming plane is inclined at a mounting angle toward the direction of propagation of the toner carrier with respect to a plane including the intersection. A control unit calculates the deposited toner amount in accordance with one of a peak value and a bottom value of a sense voltage in a thickness determining region and calculates the deposited toner amount in accordance with the other of the peak value and the bottom value in an area determining region.