Photoelectric Sensor for Toner Density and Medium Passage Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Current image forming apparatuses require both an image quality adjustment sensor and a passage sensor to detect toner image density and print medium passage, increasing cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a photoelectric sensor that determines the passage of the print medium and the density of the toner image using a single detection system, eliminating the need for separate sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If both an image quality adjustment sensor and a passage sensor are used to detect toner image density and print medium passage, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsensor quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the image quality adjustment sensor and passage sensor into a single integrated sensor system. The sensor unit includes a light source and light receiving element that can detect both toner image density (by measuring light reflection from the toner) and print medium passage (by detecting the presence or absence of the print medium in the detection path), thereby reducing the total number of sensors required while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect toner image density by measuring reflected light intensity, detect print medium passage by sensing the presence of the print medium, and distinguish between different objects (toner vs. print medium) based on their optical properties. This multi-functional sensor eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for each detection task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If both an image quality adjustment sensor and a passage sensor are used to detect toner image density and print medium passage, then detection accuracy is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the image quality adjustment sensor and passage sensor into a single integrated sensor system. The sensor unit includes a light source and light receiving element that can detect both toner image density (by measuring light reflection from the toner) and print medium passage (by detecting the presence or absence of the print medium in the detection path), thereby reducing the total number of sensors required while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect toner image density by measuring reflected light intensity, detect print medium passage by sensing the presence of the print medium, and distinguish between different objects (toner vs. print medium) based on their optical properties. This multi-functional sensor eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for each detection task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Reduces costs and complexity by integrating sensor functions, allowing for effective detection of toner image density and print medium passage without the need for multiple sensors.

Implementation Method 1

a photoelectric sensor that detects a density of the toner image on the image holding member and that detects passage of the print medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10606203B1Image forming apparatus and control method by the same

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises a conveyance section configured to convey a print medium; a processing unit configured to form a toner image; an image holding member configured to move the toner image formed by the processing unit; a photoelectric sensor facing the image holding member and of which a detection direction intersects with a conveyance plane on which the print medium is conveyed; and a processor configured to determine passage of the print medium based on the detection result of the photoelectric sensor, and to determine whether or not a density of the toner image formed by the processing unit is a preset density.