Printer Edge Guide Position Detection Using Optical Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses require complex configurations with separate detection portions for each sheet size, making it difficult to detect sheet size and quantity accurately and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a displaceable edge guide and an optical sensor that detects the distance to the edge guide, allowing for the computation of the edge guide's position, enabling the detection of various sheet sizes with a simple configuration and reducing costs by using a single detection unit for both size and quantity detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate detection portions are provided for each sheet size, then sheet size detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single optical sensor is designed to detect multiple sheet sizes by measuring the position of the movable guide, which changes according to the sheet size. The sensor detects the guide's position rather than having separate detection portions for each size, allowing one sensor to serve multiple detection functions for different sheet dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable guide acts as an intermediary between the sheet and the optical sensor. Instead of the sensor directly detecting sheet edges for each size, the guide translates the sheet size information into a position change that the single sensor can measure, simplifying the detection system while maintaining accuracy.
2Device complexity
If a single detection unit is used for both size and quantity detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions: it detects both the position of the movable guide (which indicates sheet size) and the presence/quantity of sheets. By measuring light reflection or transmission changes, the same sensor distinguishes between different sheet quantities without requiring separate detection mechanisms.
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 apparatus can accurately detect sheet sizes and quantities with a simple construction, reducing costs and preventing sensor breakage during attachment or detachment, while ensuring smooth feeding operations by prompting users to check the medium housing section when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit that is spaced from the edge guide by a gap in a displacement direction of the edge guide and that detects a distance to the edge guide
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a lower tray and an upper tray provided above the lower tray. Each tray is provided with an edge guide that is displaceable according to the sheet size and that guides an edge of sheets. A guide sensor capable of detecting the distance to each edge guide is spaced from the edge guide by a gap in the displacement direction of the edge guide.