RFID Toner Measurement and Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses lack effective methods for measuring the content of storage members and controlling the rotation of rotating members, leading to inefficiencies in maintenance and operation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a communication section that interacts with a communication element on storage and rotating members via non-contact communication, allowing for content measurement and rotational angle detection, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a communication element is attached to a content storage member for information exchange, then maintenance management is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The communication element is designed to serve multiple functions: it stores maintenance information and simultaneously enables content measurement through wireless communication state detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement devices, thereby improving maintenance management while avoiding additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing communication element's wireless communication state to self-determine content quantity without requiring external measurement devices. The communication element essentially measures its own operational context, eliminating the need for separate measurement infrastructure and maintaining structural simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If separate measurement devices are added to measure content, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication signal acts as an intermediary that carries information about both maintenance status and content quantity. By analyzing the communication state (signal strength, transmission quality), the system derives content measurement data without physical contact or additional sensors, achieving precise measurement while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical or physical measurement devices with a field-based wireless communication approach. The electromagnetic signals used for communication also provide measurement capabilities, substituting complex mechanical measurement systems with simpler electronic field detection methods.
3Ease of operation
If a communication element is attached to a rotating member for rotation control, then operational control is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The communication element on the rotating member serves dual purposes: enabling identification/tracking of the member and providing rotation control capabilities. The wireless communication data facilitates both maintenance management and rotational positioning without requiring separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the communication element's wireless signal provides real-time information about the rotating member's status and position. This feedback enables precise rotation control and monitoring while using the same communication infrastructure, avoiding additional control hardware and maintaining structural simplicity.
4Measurement precision
If additional sensors and devices are added for measurement and control, then measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication element is designed as a multi-functional component that provides both maintenance information storage and content measurement capabilities. By consolidating these functions into a single element, the patent avoids the cost of separate measurement devices while achieving precise content measurement through wireless communication analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the maintenance management function and content measurement function into a unified system using the communication element. The wireless communication infrastructure serves both purposes simultaneously, eliminating the need for duplicate hardware and reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement precision.
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 approach enables precise measurement of content and control of rotational positions, enhancing maintenance efficiency and reducing component complexity and costs within the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a communication element provided on a rotating member rotatable inside a main body of an image forming apparatus and away in a radial direction from a rotation axis of the rotating member, and a communication section that communicates with the communication element in a non-contact manner
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a communication section that wirelessly communicates with an RFID tag on a toner supply container. Based on a state of communication between the RFID tag and the communication section, an amount of toner in the toner supply container is measured, or a rotational angle of the toner supply container is detected. Since it is unnecessary to additionally provide a member for measuring the amount of the toner or detecting the rotational angle, the number of components can be reduced.