Position Detection Apparatus for Belt Deviation Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional position detection apparatuses for intermediate transfer belts in image forming systems are prone to erroneous detection near the boundary between adjacent deviation levels due to variations in sensor positions and skew of the target object, leading to incorrect correction of belt deviations.
Innovation Solution
A position detection apparatus with a swinging member in contact with the target object, a moving member, and (M+1) sensors arranged to output signals corresponding to the swinging amount, where the detection unit uses the signals from M sensors to determine the target object's position, with measured parts in divided areas to prevent erroneous detection by accounting for sensor output variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional position detection apparatus uses simple sensor arrangement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to erroneous detection near deviation level boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The detection range is segmented into multiple divided areas (first through fourth divided areas) along the moving direction of the moving member. Measured parts are selectively disposed in specific divided areas based on sensor output signals, allowing the system to handle different deviation ranges with appropriate measured parts, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a completely complex sensor arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different measured parts are disposed in different divided areas according to local conditions. Specifically, measured parts are disposed in the first and second divided areas when the (M+1)th sensor outputs a first signal, and in the third and fourth divided areas when it outputs a second signal. This local adaptation improves detection accuracy in different deviation regions.
2Measurement precision
If position detection apparatus accounts for sensor position variations and target skew, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple measured parts and divided areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which measured parts to use based on real-time sensor output signals. The control unit determines whether to use measured parts in the first/second divided areas or in the third/fourth divided areas depending on the (M+1)th sensor signal. This dynamic selection allows the system to adapt to varying deviation conditions without requiring all measured parts to be constantly active, reducing effective complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The (M+1)th sensor acts as an intermediary that controls the selection of measured parts. Its output signal determines which set of measured parts should be used for detection, mediating between the physical deviation of the target object and the appropriate measurement configuration. This intermediary mechanism enables precise adaptation without requiring direct complex configuration of all measured parts simultaneously.
3Productivity
If conventional apparatus detects belt deviation using swinging arm and optical sensors, then productivity is maintained through continuous monitoring, but reliability deteriorates due to erroneous detection near deviation level boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of deviation ranges by evaluating sensor output signals before executing the final deviation detection. The control unit determines in advance which divided areas contain the relevant measured parts based on sensor signals, preparing the appropriate measurement configuration before actual deviation calculation. This preliminary action prevents erroneous detection by ensuring the correct measured parts are used for the current deviation level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the (M+1)th sensor to continuously adjust which measured parts are active. The sensor output signals provide feedback about the current deviation range, and this feedback controls the selection of measured parts in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable detection near deviation level boundaries by automatically switching to the appropriate measured parts when approaching boundaries, while maintaining continuous monitoring for productivity.
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
The solution effectively reduces erroneous detection near deviation level boundaries, ensuring accurate belt deviation correction and preventing excessive belt deviation errors, thus maintaining belt stability and preventing edge contact.
Implementation Method 1
two optical sensors that are arranged on the swinging arm so as to shift in a longitudinal direction thereof that is the conveyance direction of the intermediate transfer belt... output signals corresponding to a position of the moving member
Data Source
AI summary
A position detection apparatus detects a position of a target object. One end of a swinging member contacts the target object, and the other end contacts a moving member. (M+1) pieces of sensors are arranged to output signals corresponding to a position of the moving member. Measured parts are disposed on the moving member along loci of measuring positions of the sensors. A detection unit detects the position of the target object based on the output signals of M pieces of sensors when the other sensor outputs a predetermined signal. The measured parts corresponding to the other sensor are provided in 2M pieces of divided areas that are disposed along a locus corresponding to the other sensor. Each of the measured parts corresponding to the other sensor is disposed in a center portion except both ends in the moving direction in each of the divided areas.