Rotating Reference Plate Air Cushion Reader Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently calibrating the reading device due to potential damage from sliding contact between the reference plate and the reader, which hinders accurate calibration of the reader.
Innovation Solution
The reference plate is configured to rotate around a pair of axes along the side of the reader, utilizing a pulling spring and cam followers to maintain clearance and prevent direct contact, allowing for stable and accurate calibration without damaging the reader or the reference plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the reference plate moves to a facing position at a prescribed timing for calibration, then the reader can be calibrated, but the reference plate and reader may come into sliding contact causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
Air cushion is introduced as an intermediary between the reference plate and reader, preventing direct sliding contact while enabling the reference plate to reach the facing position for calibration. The air cushion acts as a protective mediator that eliminates harmful friction and contact damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by employing air cushion technology to support the reference plate during its movement to the facing position. This pneumatic approach replaces mechanical sliding contact with non-contact air support, preventing damage while maintaining calibration functionality.
2Productivity
If the reference plate slides along the reader for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but wear and damage occur to the reader and reference plate
Solution Approach 1:
Air cushion serves as a mediator that eliminates direct sliding contact between the reference plate and reader. This intermediary layer prevents wear and damage while allowing the calibration process to proceed efficiently without mechanical friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sliding contact system with a pneumatic air cushion system. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical friction and wear associated with sliding contact while maintaining the ability to position the reference plate for calibration.
3Measurement precision
If the reference plate is positioned close to the reader for accurate reading, then measurement precision improves, but contact damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air cushion acts as a protective intermediary that allows the reference plate to be positioned in close proximity to the reader for accurate reading while preventing direct contact. This mediator enables high precision positioning without the risk of contact damage.
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 enables stable and accurate calibration of the reading device by preventing sliding contact and reducing wear, ensuring efficient operation and maintaining the integrity of both the reader and the reference plate.
Implementation Method 1
a configuration in which the reference plate moves to a facing position in conjunction with movement of the reader from a scanning position to a separated position away from the scanning position; a configuration in which, when the reference plate moves to the facing position, a distance between the reference plate and the reader is maintained by an air cushion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A reading device and an image forming apparatus. A reading device (200) includes a reader (210) disposed at a scanning position, the reader being configured to read an image formed on a surface of a sheet (P), a movement mechanism (221, 222, 223) configured to move the reader (210) between the scanning position and a separated position away from the scanning position, and a reference plate (230) disposed at a first position facing a reading face (210a) of the reader (210), the reference plate being configured to obtain a reference value to be used when the reader (210) reads the image. The reference plate (230) is configured to rotate around an axis (231) from a second position facing a side (210b) of the reader (210) to the first position or from the first position to the second position in conjunction with movement of the reader (210) from the scanning position to the separated position by the movement mechanism (221, 222, 223) or movement of the reader (210) from the separated position to the scanning position, and the reader (210) includes an abutment part (211) contacting the reference plate (230) when the reference plate (230) rotates around the axis (231), and the abutment part (211) maintains clearance between the reader (210) and the reference plate (230). The image forming apparatus (13) includes the reading device (200).