Lateral Output Bin Translation for Media Stack Height Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing systems face challenges in accurately detecting the height of media stacks in output bins, leading to inaccurate determination of capacity levels and accessibility issues due to the influence of media surface properties and varying sheet thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a time-of-flight sensor to detect the height of media stacks by emitting photons and correlating the time of return with the stack height, and using a controller to activate an actuator for lateral translation of the output bin when the stack exceeds a certain level, ensuring accurate detection and presentation of the media stack to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is used to detect media stack height, then the height detection accuracy is improved, but the detection is affected by media surface properties and sheet thickness variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical sensors with a time-of-flight (TOF) optical sensor system. The TOF sensor emits photons and measures the time for photons to reflect off the media stack surface and return, converting optical measurements into height data. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact issues and improves reliability by being unaffected by media surface properties and sheet thickness variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct physical contact or optical reflection intensity to time-of-flight measurement. By measuring the time duration for photons to travel to and from the media stack surface, the system achieves accurate height detection that is independent of media surface properties, sheet thickness, and other variable factors that affect traditional sensing methods.
2Volume of moving object
If the output bin is positioned in an inset location, then the printing system structure is compact, but the media stack accessibility and visibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a translatable output bin that can dynamically change its position between a retracted state (inset location for compact structure) and an extended state (protruding for accessibility). The output bin is laterally translated along a guide substrate, allowing the system to switch between compact configuration and user-accessible configuration based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by utilizing lateral translation along a guide substrate, moving the output bin in a direction perpendicular to the media ejection path. This dimensional approach allows the output bin to occupy an inset position during printing while being extendable laterally for user access, effectively using a different spatial dimension to resolve the accessibility vs. compactness trade-off.
3Ease of operation
If the output bin is laterally translated to extend position, then media stack visibility and accessibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide substrate as an intermediary component that facilitates the lateral translation of the output bin. The guide substrate provides a structured path and support for the output bin's movement, simplifying the mechanical implementation by offering a predefined translation track rather than requiring complex free-space positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The output bin's lateral translation mechanism is integrated with the existing printing system structure, utilizing available space and components. The guide substrate and translation mechanism are designed to work within the system's existing framework, minimizing additional complexity while achieving the desired accessibility improvement.
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 solution provides accurate detection of media stack height, even when sheets are removed during printing, and ensures the media stack is presented to the user when the bin reaches capacity, enhancing visibility and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor to detect a height of a stack of media on the output bin while the output bin is in the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
According to examples, a printing apparatus may include an output bin that is laterally translatable between a retracted position and an extended position. The printing apparatus may also include a sensor to detect a height of a stack of media on the output bin while the output bin is in the retracted position and a controller. The controller may determine whether the detected height of the stack of media on the output bin exceeds a certain level and in response to a determination that the detected height of the stack of media exceeds the certain level, laterally translate the output bin from the retracted position to the extended position.