Phase Detection Sensor for Toner Container Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses require users to manually check for toner replacement completion, which is inconvenient and time-consuming, as there is no direct detection mechanism for the replacement of the toner accommodation container once it becomes empty.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a phase detection sensor that detects the rotation phase of the toner accommodation container, outputs a prompt for replacement, and controls the container's rotation to ensure the detected portion is in the correct position, allowing for automated detection and operation of toner replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate replacement detection unit is added to directly detect toner accommodation container replacement completion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase detection sensor originally designed for detecting the rotation phase of the toner accommodation container is made to serve dual functions: both rotation phase detection and replacement completion detection. When the container is in the mounted state, the sensor detects the phase of the detected portion; when the container is removed, the sensor detects the absence of the detected portion, thereby indicating replacement completion. This eliminates the need for a separate replacement detection unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the replacement detection function with the existing rotation phase detection function by using the same phase detection sensor and detected portion configuration for both purposes. The replacement detection is achieved by evaluating the rotation phase detection signals in different operational states (mounted vs. removed), combining multiple detection capabilities into a single sensor system.
2Device complexity
If the phase detection sensor is used for both rotation detection and replacement detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detected portion on the toner accommodation container is specifically designed with particular geometric characteristics (such as a protrusion or marker at a specific angular position) that create a distinct signal pattern for the phase detection sensor. This localized feature ensures that the sensor can accurately distinguish between different rotational phases and also reliably detect the presence or absence of the container, maintaining high measurement precision for both functions.
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 automated detection and completion of toner replacement without user intervention, facilitating early output of recording materials at a lower cost by integrating replacement and rotation detection using a single phase detection sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a phase detection sensor that detects a rotation phase of the toner accommodation container
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus on which a toner accommodation container accommodating toner is insertably/removably mounted to discharge the toner from the toner accommodation container by rotating the toner accommodation container includes a phase detection sensor that detects a rotation phase of the toner accommodation container by detecting a phase detection portion provided in the toner accommodation container and detects removal/mounting of the toner accommodation container from/on the image forming apparatus through the phase detection sensor.