Printer Photosensor Paper Detection via Removable Inverting Unit Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recording devices, such as facsimile machines and printers, face issues with reliable paper detection and increased device size due to the degradation of electrical contacts in removable curved inverting units and the need for additional space for detection units, which interferes with scanner installations.
Innovation Solution
A recording device configuration where a paper transport path is formed in a removable unit body with a detection unit in the main body, eliminating the need for electrical contacts between the unit and the main body, and incorporating a photosensor for non-contact detection, allowing for reduced device height and easier paper jam clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detection unit is provided in the removable curved inverting unit, then paper passage detection is enabled, but electrical contacts degrade with repeated attachment and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit is extracted from the removable curved inverting unit and relocated to the main body of the recording device. This eliminates the need for electrical contacts between the removable unit and main body, as the detection unit remains permanently installed in the main body and detects paper through an opening in the removable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
An opening is provided in the removable curved inverting unit that serves as an intermediary for optical detection. The detection unit in the main body uses this opening to detect paper passage without requiring physical electrical contacts with the removable unit.
2Reliability
If the detection unit is provided above the curved inverting unit, then paper detection is enabled, but device size increases due to cover space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is moved from a vertical arrangement (requiring space above the curved inverting unit) to a horizontal arrangement within the main body. The detection unit detects paper through the opening in the removable unit, utilizing the lateral space in the main body rather than increasing vertical height.
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
This configuration enhances the reliability of paper detection and prevents device size increases by eliminating the need for electrical contacts and dedicated space for detection units, ensuring accurate detection of paper, even for thin or flimsy media, and simplifying assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a first detection unit, provided in the device main body, that detects, via an opening provided in the unit member, the medium passing through the medium transport path
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a device main body having a recording head, and a double-sided printing unit that forms an inverting transport path for inverting a medium fed from the side on which the recording head is located and that is configured to be mountable in and removable from the device main body. A photosensor that detects paper within the double-sided printing unit when the double-sided printing unit is mounted in the device main body detects the paper within the double-sided printing unit via an opening provided in an upper area of the double-sided printing unit.