Rockable Member Sensor for Duplex Printer Tray Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses capable of duplex printing require a large number of sensors to detect sheet feeding and jamming, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a rockable member and signal generating unit to detect the position and status of the sheet tray and guide member, reducing the need for multiple sensors by using a single signal to determine the sheet's position and status, thereby downsizing the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to detect sheet feeding and jamming in duplex printing, then detection reliability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single sensor that can detect both sheet tray position and guide member position. The sensor detects different states based on the position of the rockable member, which changes orientation based on whether the sheet tray is in the feedable or non-feedable position, thereby consolidating multiple detection functions into one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting sheet tray position, detecting guide member position, and identifying sheet feeding status. By making the sensor universal and capable of detecting multiple states through the rockable member's orientation changes, the patent eliminates the need for separate sensors for each detection function.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect sheet position and status, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection functions for sheet tray position and guide member position into a single sensor system. The rockable member serves as a mechanical linkage that translates the position states of different components into a unified signal that the single sensor can interpret, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining precise position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The rockable member acts as an intermediary mechanical element that converts the position states of the sheet tray and guide member into a detectable signal for the single sensor. This intermediary mechanism allows one sensor to indirectly detect multiple position states without requiring direct line-of-sight detection for each component, simplifying the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus has a rockable member which is configured to rotate about an axis defined at a first end portion among: a first position at which a second end portion at a downstream side in the forward feed direction with respect to the first end portion is supported by the guide member having the first orientation; a second position at which the second end portion is located at a higher position that the second end portion when located at the first position; and a third position at which the second end portion is located at a lower position that the second end portion when located at the first position; and a signal generating unit configured to output a signal corresponding to the position of the rockable member. A photo sensor is provided to generate a signal in accordance with an orientation of the rockable member.