Recording Material Detection Using Reference Plate Reflectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices face challenges in accurately detecting the characteristics of sheet-type recording materials due to irregular reflection light generated between the recording material and a reflection board, leading to inaccurate transmittance measurements and determination of material characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A recording material characteristic detecting device that uses a reference plate with higher reflectivity to the second light than the first light, allowing for accurate detection of transmitted and reflection light amounts by separating the light sources and using a transparent protective material to prevent paper powder adhesion, thereby reducing the effect of irregular reflection light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reflection board is provided in the carrying path to enable reflection light detection, then the device can detect recording material characteristics, but irregular reflection light is generated between the recording material and reflection board causing inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent protective material is introduced as an intermediary between the recording material and the reflection board. This protective material prevents direct contact between the recording material and reflection board, thereby eliminating the generation of irregular reflection light while still allowing the reflection board to function for detecting recording material characteristics through transmitted light.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect of irregular reflection light is extracted and eliminated by separating the recording material from the reflection board using the transparent protective material. This removes the source of measurement error while preserving the essential function of the reflection board.
2Measurement precision
If the light emitting element is turned on without recording material to reduce time-dependent changes, then measurement accuracy improves, but no reflection light is received without a recording material present
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent protective material serves as a mediator that reflects light when no recording material is present, providing a reference signal for the reflection light receiving element. This enables the system to perform calibration and obtain reference values without requiring actual recording material in the carrying path.
3Productivity
If the carrying speed is increased to improve throughput, then productivity increases, but paper jams become more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying speed is made dynamic and adjustable based on the detected characteristics of the recording material. The system automatically optimizes the carrying speed for each type of recording material, enabling high throughput for suitable materials while preventing paper jams by reducing speed for materials that require slower carrying.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detected recording material characteristics (such as thickness, weight, and surface properties) to automatically adjust the carrying speed. This closed-loop control ensures optimal balance between throughput and carrying stability for different recording material types.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the fixing temperature is increased to handle thick papers, then processing capability improves, but thin papers may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing temperature is made dynamic and adjustable based on the detected characteristics of the recording material. The system automatically sets appropriate fixing temperatures for different paper types, enabling high processing capability for thick papers requiring higher temperatures while protecting thin papers from thermal damage through lower temperature settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detected recording material characteristics (such as thickness and material composition) to automatically adjust the fixing temperature. This closed-loop control ensures optimal balance between processing capability and prevention of thermal damage for different recording material types.
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 enables precise detection of recording material characteristics, allowing for optimal carrying speed and fixing temperature settings, reducing the likelihood of paper jams and ensuring maximum throughput and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
the transmitted light receiving element to detect a transmitted light that transmits the recording material
Implementation Method 2
the reflection light receiving element to detect a reflection light reflected from the recording material
Data Source
AI summary
A recording material characteristic detecting device that irradiates a first light and a second light to a recording material carried along a predetermined carrying path and detects a transmitted light generated when the first light transmits the recording material and a reflection light generated when the second light is reflected by the recording material, and detects a characteristic of the recording material, comprises: a reflection light source that irradiates the second light toward the carrying path; a reference plate for reflection light arranged oppositely to the reflection light source across the carrying path to reflect the second light; and a light detector arranged oppositely to the reference plate for reflection light across the carrying path to detect at least a reflection light generated in response to reflection of the second light. The reference plate has a higher reflectivity to the second light than a reflectivity to the first light.