Powder Storage Height Detection Using Segmented Transport Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder storage height detection devices face accuracy issues due to powder accumulation in the transport path, which affects the reliability of detection in image forming apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A powder storage height detection device with a swinging unit that follows the storage height of the powder surface, using a spirally arranged transporter around a rotational shaft and a detection unit to monitor the swinging state, ensuring accurate detection without interference from accumulated powder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a powder transport unit with a spiral transporter is used to transport powder, then powder can be continuously supplied, but powder accumulates in the transport path which reduces detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The transport path is divided into a transport portion with the spiral transporter and a non-transport portion without the transporter. The swinging unit is specifically positioned in the non-transport portion where powder does not accumulate, thereby segmenting the detection function from the transport function to eliminate interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-transport portion acts as an intermediary zone between the transport system and the detection system. This intermediate region allows the swinging unit to detect storage height accurately without being affected by powder accumulation in the active transport sections.
2Measurement precision
If the swinging unit is placed in the transport path to detect storage height, then detection can be performed, but powder accumulation interferes with detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The transport path is segmented into transport portions and a non-transport portion. The detection function is assigned to the non-transport portion where powder accumulation does not occur, thereby ensuring reliable and accurate detection without interference from the transport process.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is extracted from the active transport path and placed in the non-transport portion. This separation removes the detection unit from the harmful environment of powder accumulation while maintaining its ability to measure storage height accurately.
3Measurement precision
If the swinging unit contacts the powder surface to follow storage height, then storage height can be tracked, but the unit may be affected by powder accumulation in the transport path
Solution Approach 1:
The transport path is divided into transport portions with spiral transporters and a non-transport portion. The swinging unit is positioned in the non-transport portion where it can contact the powder surface and track storage height without being affected by powder accumulation in the transport sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-transport portion serves as an intermediary zone that allows the swinging unit to interact with the powder surface for accurate tracking while being isolated from the harmful effects of powder accumulation in the active transport regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A powder storage height detection device includes: a main body that has a transport path along which powder is transported; a powder transport unit that is disposed to rotate in the transport path and includes a transporter provided spirally around a rotational shaft; a swinging unit that comes into contact with a surface of the powder transported in the transport path, and swings by following at least a storage height of the surface; and a detection unit that detects a state of swinging of the swinging unit. The transport unit includes a non-transport portion in which the transporter is not present, and the swinging unit is located and disposed to swing in the non-transport portion, and an upper portion located above a contact portion to be in contact with the powder is configurated by an upward convex curved surface.